Living with Diabetes

Am I allowed to bring my diabetes supplies with me on the plane?
Yes. TSA specifically states that passengers are permitted to board airplanes with insulin, syringes, insulin pumps, liquids “includ[ing] “water, juice, or liquid nutrition,” and “all diabetes related medication, equipment, and supplies.”

What are some general tips as I prepare to travel?

• Arrive at the airport 2-3 hours prior to flight
• Review TSA’s website for travel updates
• Whenever possible, bring prescription labels for medication and medical devices (while not required by TSA, making them available will make the security process go more quickly)
  Consider printing out and bringing an optional TSA Disability Notification Card.
• Pack medications in a separate clear, sealable bag. Bags that are placed in your carry-on-luggage need to be removed and separated from your other belongings for screening.
• Keep a quick-acting source of glucose to treat low blood glucose as well as an easy-to-carry snack such as a nutrition bar
• Carry or wear medical identification and carry contact information for your physician
• Pack extra supplies
• Be patient with lines, delays, and new screening procedures

What are some examples of items that are permitted through security?

• Insulin and insulin loaded dispensing products (vials or box of individual vials, jet injectors, biojectors, epipens, infusers, and preloaded syringes)
• Unlimited number of unused syringes when accompanied by insulin or other injectable medication
• Lancets, blood glucose meters, blood glucose meter test strips, alcohol swabs, meter-testing solutions
• Insulin pump and insulin pump supplies (cleaning agents, batteries, plastic tubing, infusion kit, catheter, and needle)—insulin pumps and supplies must be accompanied by insulin
• Glucagon emergency kit
• Urine ketone test strips
• Unlimited number of used syringes when transported in Sharps disposal container or other similar hard-surface container
• Sharps disposal containers or similar hard-surface disposal container for storing used syringes and test strips
• Liquids (to include water, juice, or liquid nutrition) or gels
• Continuous blood glucose monitors
• All diabetes related medication, equipment, and supplies

Do I need to have my prescription with me?

While TSA does not require you to have your prescription with you, having it may expedite the security screening process if you are subject to additional screening. TSA states that “It is recommended (not required) that passengers bring along any supporting documentation (ID cards, letter from doctor, etc.) regarding their medication needs. It is recommended, not required, that the label on prescription medications match the passengers boarding pass. If the name on [the] prescription medication label does not match the name of the passenger, the passenger should expect to explain why to the security officers.”

What if my insulin, liquids, and gels are more than 3.4 ounces?

• Despite the general rule prohibiting passengers from bringing most liquids and gels through security, people with diabetes may take their insulin, other medications such as Smylin, Byetta, and Glucagon, and other liquids and gels, including juice and cake gel, through TSA checkpoints, even if they are in containers greater than 3.4 ounces.
• Although TSA does allow multiple containers of liquid or gel to treat hypoglycemia, as a practical matter you may want to consider alternative forms of carbohydrates, including glucose tablets, hard candy, or raisins.
• All medical liquids in containers greater than 3.4 ounces must be removed from your carry-on luggage and declared to TS personnel. They should not be placed in the quart-sized zip-top bag used for non-medical liquids.
• Under normal conditions, insulin can safely pass through X-ray machines at airport terminals. If you have concerns about X-rays, you can request hand inspection. Also, insulin never should be placed in checked baggage. It could be affected by severe changes in pressure and temperature. Inspect your insulin before injecting each dose. If you notice anything unusual about the appearance of your insulin or you notice that your insulin needs are changing, call your doctor.