Hi , everyone, this is all new to me. But i will be traveling by plane to Florida from NY with my daughter who is 12 and is 6 months in as a Type I. What do I need to know to get her through TSA (Secruity) as a diabetic. I want to be prepared when we fly in April. She has an accu check meter with her strips and multi click lancet that she keeps in a leather case . She has a Novolog Jr. Pen and Lantus Solostar pen that she keeps in a velcro case which holds the alcohol swabs and the small pen needles. These items she keeps in a shoulder bag type purse with a few snacks and emergency supplies ,ie her glucogon kit and glucose gel.
I will have to take her extra supplies, like strips, pen cartriges (novolog) and extra needles in my suitcase.(non-stop flight) Thanks everyone.
I’m newly dx’d but have already flown a couple of times, with no problems. My dr gave me a “travel letter” stating that I’m allowed to have all the things you mentioned – TSA never looked at it. I just opened my zippy case so they could see the gear, and put my glucagon shot in the bin with it. Just last weekend I put a couple juice boxes in there too, and they let me have them. That required some discussion, though, and I only got away with it because the main TSA guy’s mother was diabetic!
Screwy world where they’re more worried about Juicy Juice than a humalog kwikpen.
Make sure to get a letter from your daughter’s endo stating that she has diabetes and will have to carry supplies with her. Make sure that the letter covers things like juice, snacks, syringes, etc. I once had quite an issue with my glucagon pen. I didn’t have a letter with me and that caused all sorts of trouble. They had to get a TSA supervisor. Carring on things like juice can also be problematic. I always bring with me a couple of small juice boxes to treat a low. Now I have a letter and those get through usually without any issue.
I agree with Andie, As far as getting the stuf thru screening just put in the the tub you send thru the scanner. Do not remove it from the cases that you have. Have the letter with you or your daughter. Maybe in a pocket or I just keep it in my backpack with all my supplies. Enjoy your trip.
When I was on MDI, I traveled with a letter, but never had to show it and never had to get a special search. One issue I didn’t have to deal with was juice as a snack or glucose gel so a letter would be appropriate.
I have been told not to put extra supplies in a checked bag because things have gone missing. But that is your call.
Have fun!
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/editorial_1374… TSA guidelines for Unseen disabilities. As an former airline employee and still an airport worker I will say carry all exrta supplies in your carry on, in case of lose of baggage or have at least a weeks worth in your carry on bags. Also if you have any issues all airlines are required to have a CRO (complaint resolution officer) on duty at all times if you have any issues with TSA ask to speak to not only the TSA supervisor but the airline you are using CRO. If you can get a doctors note stating your daughter is required for health reasons to have a juice box or 2 with her and that the supplies are required for medical reasons. But the big one is remember to keep your cool if there is an issue hand them a print out of their own published guidelines and ask for the CRO.
CRO’s handle disability issues for the airline by the way should of stated that at the start. And always make sure your extra supplies are on you bags. Bags do miss flights, and the sooner you check in the less likely they are to miss.
Wow, thanks went to website, very helpful. thanks again
Not a problem.
I traveled in Dec. and had no problem with my diabetic supplies. Be sure to take everything she needs in the carry-on, do not check anything. I have had a letter from my doc with me, but i have never had to show it to anyone. Don’t offer to show TSA anything, just tell them what it is if they ask. The only problem might be the juice containers, it would depend on how close to the rules your TSA officer wants to be. I take food, usually a sandwich and crackers and a piece of fruit. BTW, be sure that your daughter takes twice the amount of supplies than she needs, don’t depend on being able to buy anything on your trip. Take 2 of each pen and double the amount of pen needles that she will need.
Just a thought, you might want to use glucose tabs instead of the gel. I heard the gel separates in warm weather and is not as effective. The TSA might nix the gel too.
I have traveled with my supplies many times. No problems with the TSA. They open up my “lunch box” with all my supplies including some gel packs to keep everything cool. I state that they are diabetes supplies and they say ok. Oh and if you are going to the parks in Florida, the Universal Studios food vendors will give you extra ice if you need it and they have a lot of great food options too. I took my pen in a fanny pack with a gel pack and it stayed cool all day.