Living with Diabetes

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The American Diabetes Association is proud to provide the following travel tips developed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in conjunction with our assistance. These tips will help ensure the safety and convenience of travelers with diabetes, while also keeping the traveling community as a whole safe and on-time. In addition to the information found below, additional guidance is contained in TSA's Memorandum dated September 25, 2006 (PDF).

ADA continues to work with TSA to develop airport security checkpoint guidelines and protocol to ensure that passengers with diabetes are able to board with diabetes supplies and equipment, especially during those times when the nation's security threat level rises and screeners must react quickly to changes in security checkpoint screening protocol. In addition, TSA takes great strides to ensure that security screeners are trained in the physical appearance, function and importance of diabetes equipment, medication and supplies.

The Association is pleased to provide ongoing assistance to TSA in the development of its training materials. The Association needs to be kept aware of any difficulties so that we may continue to provide feedback to TSA. If, at the end of your travels, you wish to report problems you encountered to the Association, please call 1-800-DIABETES.

Below is the most recent information generated by TSA regarding people traveling within the 50 states that need to board with diabetes medication, equipment, and supplies. TSA makes the following recommendations to airline passengers with diabetes.

Notify the screener that you have diabetes and are carrying your supplies with you. Please note that while TSA is not currently requiring a prescription label, it recommends having the label available to identify the medication in order to expedite the security check-point screening process. The following diabetes-related supplies and equipment are allowed through the checkpoint once they have been screened:

• Insulin and insulin loaded dispensing products (vials or box of individual vials, jet injectors, pens, infusers, and preloaded syringes) that are clearly identified with a prescription label containing a name that matches the passenger's name on his or her ticket..
• Other liquid prescription medicines such as Smylin, Byetta, or a Glucagon Emergency Kit that are clearly identified with a prescription label containing a name that matches the passenger's name on his or her ticket.
• Note that essential non-prescription liquid medicines (such as regular insulin, where in some states a prescription to dispense is not required) should be clearly labeled.
• Multiple containers of liquids and gels (including cakemate) to treat hypoglycemia. If containers are more than 3 ounces, then passengers need to declare these items to security checkpoint personnel.
• Unlimited number of unused syringes when accompanied by insulin or other injectable medication.
• Blood glucose meters, blood glucose meter test strips, continuous blood glucose monitors, lancets, alcohol swabs, meter-testing solutions, and monitor supplies.
• Insulin pump and insulin pump supplies (cleaning agents, batteries, plastic tubing, infusion kit, catheter, and needle).
• Urine ketone test strips.
• Unlimited number of used syringes when transported in Sharps disposal container or other similar hard-surface container.

In addition to the information providers above, it is recommended that passengers review TSA's 9/26/06 Q&A (PDF) regarding changes to liquids ban at airport security checkpoints.

Pump wearers

Although insulin pump manufacturers indicate that pumps can safely go through airport security systems, pump wearers may request a visual inspection rather than walking through the metal detector or being hand-wanded. Note that this may subject you to closer scrutiny or a "pat-down."

• Advise the screener that the insulin pump cannot be removed because it is connected to a catheter inserted under your skin.
• Insulin pumps and supplies must be accompanied by insulin with a label clearly identifying the medication.

If you experience hypoglycemia during the security procedure

Immediately inform screeners if you are experiencing low blood sugar and are in need of medical assistance.

If you request a visual inspection of your supplies

You have the option of requesting a visual inspection of your insulin and diabetes associated supplies. Keep in mind that:

• You must request a visual inspection before the screening process begins otherwise your medications and supplies will undergo x-ray inspection.
• You should separate your medication and associated supplies from your other property in a pouch or bag.
• Medications should be labeled so they are identifiable.
• In order to prevent contamination or damage to medication and associated supplies and/or fragile medical materials, you will be asked at the security checkpoint to display, handle and repack your own medication and associated supplies during the visual inspection process.
• Any medication and/or associated supplies that cannot be cleared visually must be submitted for x-ray screening.  If you refuse, you will not be permitted to carry your medications and related supplies into the sterile area.

TSA's September 2006 list of tips for travelers

Due to a change in procedure, small quantities (up to 3 oz.) of liquid toiletries will be allowed through airport security checkpoints, along with large volumes of liquid and gel to treat hypoglycemia. The Association applauds TSA for the measures it has taken in light of airport security threats to ensure that passengers with diabetes are able to board with their medications, equipment, and supplies.

Please note that TSA specifically states passengers with insulin and other liquid diabetes medications are permitted to board airplanes with their medications, supplies, and equipment. The general guidelines for traveling with diabetes supplies (above) are all still in effect.

TSA recommends that travelers with disabilities and medical conditions may want to consider the following.

• Arrive at the airport 2-3 hours prior to flight.
• Review TSA's Web site for travel updates.
• Bring required prescription labels for medication.
• Bring prescriptions for medical devices when possible.
• Pack medications in a separate clear bag and place in your carry-on luggage.
• Be patient with lines, delays, and new screening procedures.

Please Note:  TSA recommends that passengers traveling with prescription liquid medications such as insulin, Symlin, Byetta, or a Glucagon Emergency Kit should make sure their medications are clearly identified with a prescription label matching the name of the passenger. Although having a prescription label is not required by TSA, making it available with the medication will expedite the security check-in process.

Please Note:  There has been no change in protocol for airline passengers with diabetes who are traveling with insulin pumps or continuous glucose monitoring devices. Pump and CGMS wearers may request a visual inspection rather than walking through the metal detector or being hand-wanded.

Please Note:  For passengers with diabetes, TSA does allow multiple containers of glucose gel, cakemate or liquid of 5 oz. to treat low blood sugar. Passengers should consider alternative forms of carb to treat hypoglycemia such as glucose tablets, Life Savers, gumdrops, or raisins.

Please Note:  Under normal conditions, insulin can safely pass through X-ray machines at airport terminals. If the insulin remains in the path of the X-ray longer than normal, or if it is repeatedly exposed to X-rays, be careful. This can affect the stability of your insulin. If you have concerns about X-rays, you can request hand-inspection. Also, insulin never should be placed in checked baggage. Passenger baggage stored in cargo holds is subject to powerful X-rays. It also 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.

Contact TSA

If you have an immediate need while being screened, you should ask for a screener supervisor. You may also contact the TSA Contact Center to report unfair treatment or to obtain additional information by calling toll-free 866-289-9673 during the following hours of operation (All times are Eastern Standard Time):

• Monday thru Friday 8 a.m. -- 10 p.m.
• Saturday, Sunday and Holidays 10 a.m. -- 6 p.m.

Complaints about discriminatory treatment by federal security screeners should be directed to TSA. TSA accepts complaints by mail to Transportation Security Administration, TSA Headquarters, 12th Floor, Room 1203N, TSA-1, 400 Seventh St., SW, Washington, DC 20590.

In addition to filing a complaint with a federal agency, passengers alleging discriminatory treatment by air carrier personnel (pilots, flight attendants, gate agents or check-in counter personnel) may download and print a complaint form and follow instructions provided by DOT's Web site. They should also notify their airline carrier. Other consumer complaints may be directed to the Department of Transportation's Office of Consumer Protection Division, 400 Seventh St., S.W., Washington, DC, 20590. More information on where passengers may file complaints for travel service problems, contact DOT by calling 1-800-255-1111.

The Association recommends packing at least twice the number of supplies needed during travel, and bringing 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 while traveling. It may also be helpful to have contact information for a health care professional available at your destination, and be prepared to adjust medication when traveling in different time zones.

Last updated: May 6, 2008