I received several questions from a man flying internationally this summer. He is a diabetic and needs to take two weeks work of medications and related supplies with him on his flights on Delta Air Lines to Ireland. Here are his questions:
Regarding medications, I am a diabetic and with being gone for two weeks, I will need to take a two week supply of all medications with me. Should I take the specific medicine bottles with the prescriptions on them? I also use insulin pens which are liquid and use needles. I want to take all of my medications on the plane as carry-on items so that I will have them with me in case any luggage gets lost. What are your recommendations?
First, I checked the carry-on policy for Delta Air Lines (from the company’s website)
Medicine
For optimal safety and health, always carry your medication with you in your carry-on luggage, rather than in checked luggage. Airplanes do not have refrigerators on board, so plan for methods to keep medications cool, if required.
This APOLLO WALKER Insulin Cooler Bag with 2 Ice Packs for Diabetic Travel
If you use needles or syringes to take medication, you must have appropriate medical records with you to explain your medical condition and the need for the medical procedure to security or foreign authorities. Please alert the cabin crew if you have used any needles during flight so they may provide you with a disposal container.
Carry-on Baggage
Medical supplies or equipment are allowed on board as additional items at no extra charge. Some medical items can be carried on the plane, as an “additional carry-on item”, as long as they meet the standard size and weight limits. If your supplies/equipment are included in a larger bag that contains other non-essential items, that bag will not be considered a free item, and will be subject to normal baggage fees.
Needles/Syringes
Needles and syringes are permitted in carry-on baggage as long as they are accompanied with medication that have a professionally printed label identifying the medication, manufacturer’s name and/or pharmaceutical label.
Next, I checked the TSA website under the ‘Passengers with Diabetes’ section
Before this traveler gets to his flight, he will need to go through TSA security screening.
Here are the important facts to know for travelers with diabetes going through TSA security screening:
Passengers should alert the TSA screener that they have diabetes, and separate their diabetes-related supplies, equipment, and medication, including liquids from other belongings before screening begins.
Passengers with disabilities and medical conditions are not required to provide medical documentation to an officer; however, the TSA does make a Notification Card that passengers can use for discreet communication. Use of this Notification Card, or of medical documentation, does not exempt a passenger from screening, however. You can download the notification card here.
Diabetes-related supplies, equipment, and medication, including liquids, are allowed through the checkpoint once they have been properly screened by X-ray or hand inspection.
Liquids, gels, and aerosols are screened by X-ray and medically necessary items in excess of 3.4 ounces will receive additional screening. A passenger could be asked to open the liquid or gel for additional screening. TSA will not touch the liquid or gel during this process. If the passenger does not want a liquid, gel, or aerosol X-rayed or opened for additional screening, he or she should inform the officer before screening begins. Additional screening of the passenger and his or her property may be required, which may include a patdown.
Accessories required to keep medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols cool – such as freezer packs or frozen gel packs – are permitted through the screening checkpoint and may be subject to additional screening. These accessories are treated as liquids unless they are frozen solid at the checkpoint. If these accessories are partially frozen or slushy, they are subject to the same screening as other liquids and gels.
If a passenger uses an insulin pump, he or she can be screened without disconnecting from the pump. However, it is important for the passenger to inform the officer conducting the screening about the pump before the screening process begins.
Passengers who have insulin pumps can be screened using imaging technology, metal detector, or a thorough patdown. A passenger can request to be screened by patdown in lieu of imaging technology.
Regardless of whether the passenger is screened using imaging technology or metal detector, the passenger’s insulin pump is subject to additional screening. Under most circumstances, this will include the passenger conducting a self patdown of the insulin pump followed by an explosive trace detection sampling of the hands.
If you need more information about traveling with disabilities and medical conditions within or from the United States, you can call the TSA Cares toll free at 1-855-787-2227 with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint. The TSA Cares help line is available Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 11 p.m. Eastern Time and weekends and Holidays 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Eastern Time.
For those of you diabetes who fly regularly, what advice would you add to this conversation?
For other travel tips, please check out the following:
3 Tips to Avoid Forgetting Something When You Travel
The # 1 Most Frequent Photos in a Road Warrior’s Photo Stream
Making a Trip Planning File for Your Next Vacation
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