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life with diabetes

Tips for Flying with Diabetes Supplies

If you are traveling by air, be sure you have the latest information about flying with diabetes supplies. The following information is taken directly from the guidelines for travelers with diabetes provided by the Transportation Security Administration of the Department of Homeland Security. Please note that JDRF is not responsible for the accuracy of this information. You may want to print this page to take with you to the airport, as well as call your airline for additional information.   

Persons with Diabetes

  • Notify the screener that you have diabetes and are carrying your supplies with you. 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); 
    • 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); 
    • Glucagon emergency kit; 
    • Urine ketone test strips; 
    • Unlimited number of used syringes when transported in Sharps disposal container or other similar hard-surface container. 
  • Insulin in any form or dispenser must be clearly identified. 
  • Notify screeners if you are wearing an insulin pump and explain that you cannot go through the METAL DETECTOR or be handwanded.   
  • Advise the screener that the insulin pump cannot be removed because it is surgically implanted.
  • Insulin pumps and supplies must be accompanied by insulin with professionally printed labels identifying the medication or manufacturer's name or pharmacy label. 
  • Advise screeners if you are experiencing low blood sugar and are in need of medical assistance. 
  • You have the option of requesting a visual inspection of your insulin and diabetes associated supplies. You must request a visual inspection before the screening process begins, otherwise you medications and supplies will undergo x-ray inspection. 

If you encounter problems with the screening process, ask to speak with the TSA security supervisor. You can report problems encountered while traveling by calling the TSA Consumer Response Center toll free at 1-866-289-9673. 

UPDATED FEB 2 05