traveling with type 1 diabetes

Flying with Type 1 Diabetes Supplies:
New Homeland Security Measures May Impact Travelers with Diabetes

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) of the Department of Homeland Security has implemented a number of security measures which may impact travelers with type 1 diabetes. Depending on your destination and the most recent security protocols, liquids and gels might need to be stored in a particular way, and certain items might be prohibited in carry-on baggage.

All liquids, gels, and aerosols--such as beverages, shampoo, hairspray, suntan lotion, toothpaste, and creams--in carry-on baggage must be in containers 3 ounces or smaller. All liquids, gels, or aerosols in such containers must fit into a single, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag--only one bag per traveler--which will need to be removed from your carry-on bag and placed in a bin when going through X-ray scanning. Otherwise, these items should be packed in luggage not carried on. The best course of action is to not carry on any liquids or gels that you won't absolutely need during travel time.

To ensure the health of certain travelers, greater than 3 ounces of the following are permitted in "reasonable quantities," but these exceptions must be presented to the security officer at the checkpoint.

• Baby formula, breast milk, and juice if a baby or small child is traveling
• Prescrition and over-the-counter medications
• Liquids including water, juice, or liquid nutrition for passengers with a medical condition (such as someone with type 1 diabetes who might require a juice to raise blood sugar levels)
• Life-support and life-sustaining liquids such as blood products
• Other gels/liquids required for medical or cosmetic reasons

If reasonable amounts over 3 ounces of any of the above items are needed for travel, you must separate the items from your quart-siz, zip-top bag, inform one of the security officers at the checkpoint that you are carrying the items, and present the items for additional inspection at the X-ray.

Also, any liquid, gel, or aerosol purchased in the secure area after you have gone through a security checkpoint is allowed on the airplane, so it might be helpful to buy extra juices you may need once you are at the airport.

The complete Homeland Security statement can be found at http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/.

Call your airline ahead of time and see how early they suggest you arrive at the airport. By thinking about what might make the security check easier--rather than focusing on what is strictly mandated--you can greatly decrease delays before boarding. Likewise, cooperating with security guards, even if they're asking for something more than you believe to be required or necessary, will help you get through the checkpoint a little faster. Most airports are now doing some level of added random checking. And while it's advised to all travelers, it's especially important that people with medical conditions watch their luggage at all times. Thirty-thousand feet is the wrong place to discover the insulin strips have gone missing.

The information below is excerpted from the guidelines for travelers with type 1 diabetes provided by the TSA. Please note, however, that JDRF is not responsible for the accuracy of this information. You may want to check the TSA website, as well as call your airline for additional information, before leaving for your trip. 

Persons with Type 1 Diabetes

• Notify the screener that you have type 1 diabetes and are carrying your supplies with you. The following type 1 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 
  • Sharps disposal containers or similar hard-surface disposal container for storing used syringes and test strips
• Insulin in any form or dispenser must be clearly identified.
• If you are concerned or uncomfortable about going through the walk-through metal detector with your insulin pump, notify the screener that you are wearing an insulin pump and would like a full-body pat-down and a visual inspection of your pump instead.
• Advise the screener that the insulin pump cannot be removed because it is inserted with a catheter (needle) under the skin. 
• Insulin pumps and supplies must be accompanied by insulin. 
• 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 type 1 diabetes-associated supplies.  

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.