So, I’m sure there are other discussions on here about this but alas I am much too lazy to dig deep for the information i require. I am going to be flying next week and I want to know how you take precautions and what kind of backup supplies you bring. I am on the pump (Omnipod). Has anyone had any problem going through security with their supplies. I do have a letter from my Endo, I just want to make sure I take every necessary precautions so I don’t have to be strip searched when I go through security =) Thanks for the advice!
~Suggarbabie~
Great minds think a like Sugarrbabie. I too am going away next week and my CDE told me I can’t use my pump while in the air…HUH???
So I would love to read what others have to say in regards to your post.
bring twice as many supplies as you think you might use (meds, pump consumables, you know). Call omni and see how fast they can replace a pod or the PDM where you are going, if it’s one day then there isn’t much to be afraid of. You might need proof of your prescriptions - I typically bring my meds in the original containers with the script data on the container. In short domestics I am sometimes tempted to put all my pills in one bottle but that could be a can-o-worms at the airport. (I have never been asked to prove scripts in 8 years of air travel.)
On my trip to China I also brought lantus and syringes as a backup. My pump manufacturer would have loaned me a spare pump if I asked them, which was good to know.
TSA in the states are pretty cool about diabetic supplies, just tell them you have liquid insulin, and your stuff, before they find it. I find no one likes surprises at the airport. hava a fun safe trip.
too am going away next week and my CDE told me I can’t use my pump while in the air…HUH???
please don’t be offended. your CDE is a nincompoop.
I have many hours of flight time with my pump. Absolutely no problems pumping on an airplane.
oh yea, when I am going somewhere far off the beaten path, I look for a hospital nearby in case of a real emergency. always a good plan even for the carribean-type beach resort vacations
=) and I always keep meds and pump supplies as carry on, even if it means I have to check another bag I don’t let my supplies out of my sight.
cheers
Must just be the season! I’m traveling next week as well and was just thinking the same thing!!! Anyone have thought’s on international travel??? I have a wedding in Jamaica in May. Same deal with supplies?
Hi Joe,
You are not telling me anything I don’t know. She is a complete air head. i think this is her first time training for a pump.
A lot of the time I just sit and nod my head and do my own adjustments and such when I get home…she is so nice, but I’m not happy with her. I feel like we are learning together and I know more!!
Here’s a link to a discussion we had about this. I’ve been pat down every time I fly out of Newark.
thanks for the link!
The double rule works best double supplies, double insulin etc. Using a pump on plane? Pumps ared fine on a plane.
Rick Phillips
Before I go through security, I tell them that I am on the pump. Even in parts of the world where the pump is not common, my experience is that the security people are trained to recognize it (in Hungary where the pump is not so common, they even seemed excited to see it).
Neither my Cozmo nor my Medtronic set off the metal alarm. So I showed it to them.
I try to wear my infusion set on my stomach (above where the airplane seatbelt will go!!) because then if they seem to protest about me keeping the pump on, then I show them the infusion set. They are usually so shocked that I have a machine attached to me, they let me keep it on. I guess with Omnipod there is less of a chance that they will ask you to remove it, but I high chance that they have not seen it before and they will want to pat you down.
I get “patted down” about 50% of the time.
I carry ALL my supplies on with me (if I’m traveling with someone else, I put half in their carry on). I have never gotten questions about the amount of supplies that I am carrying on. They have never made an issue of carrying on insulin (and I didn’t even put it in a ziploc bag!!).
Have GREAT trips!!
OK Guys and Gals:
Here’s the poop! You are all right in your responses. There is a site I saw just last week (I think) and the FAA has a site that lists the rules and things you can and cannot take. If you don’t have the original labels and scripts, a letter detailing your medical condition, meds and supplies from your doctor will do fine.
The thing about an insulin pump is that they don’t want any remote communications … so the CGM is not one that they want to see used. It is suggested that you turn off the "cummunications between the pump and CGM device. Don’t use a remote device to give yourself boluses. I read this in my Mimimed Paradigm 722 handbook. If you would like I could go get it and quote verbatim. In fact, I think they also give you a list of how to travel. Let me check. I will get back to y’all.
In the meantime, hit the site provided to you by Marie.
Lois La Rose, Milwaukee, WI
For travel to hot temps, get a Frio wallet to keep your insulin cool. It works great!
Just to make things quicker, I put all supplies in a plastic bag on the top of my carry-on so I can whip them out fast.
Don’t pack insulin in checked luggage.
Thankfully, I’ve never had a problem with security questioning anything. Never been asked for a prescription, but I take them along anyway.
I just started on the Animas Ping, and I was told that during flights, I have to turn off communication between my meter and pump. They both still work fine separately, they just can’t “talk” to each other.
I have flown with my pump and CGMS and I didn’t turn either one off and I had no problem. Going through security has been easy for me as well. I just put all medical supplies in one bag with dr’s letter and I tell them I am diabetic with a pump and that bag has all medical supplies. I even get through security with juice rather easily. If they give you any problems ask to speak to a supervisor. I carried enough supplies for double the time I was planning on being gone. I also put juice in the seat back pocket due to my tendency to go low during take off and landing. Keep your testing supplies within easy reach as well while on the plane.
OK. If you want the final source poop. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/editorial_1374…
YEAAAAAAAAA!! (I do mean to shout!( I did it. I found, copied and pasted the site where you can get the straight poop on flying with diabetes right from the feds.)
It’s at the Transportation Safety Administration site above. I don’t know how to make it “blue” though.
They are saying many of the things you all are suggesting. But now it’s official. You should go to this site and look under “diabetes.”
I just got off the phone with Medtronic. They say the following:
1. Do Not put the pump through any x-rays … ever … it can affect the inner electronics. CTs and MRIs also.
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You Can walk through the security screening. But the feds say you should advise them of your special needs. You will get special attention and, probably, speedier.
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You Must turn off your communications devices (just like a cell phone). This is a requirement of the FAA, not a choice. They run on RF frequency and could interfere with plane communications. It is usually during take-off and landing. But Medtronic says it is better to leave it off rather than to turn it back on and off an hour or two later. If on a long flight, ask the flight attendants what the captain wants. If it’s going to be on for 5 or 6 hours, you may want to turn it on if it is OK with the flight crew.
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Always tell the flight attendants of your condition to alert them to any serious reactions during flight.
OK, I guess that’s all. I just wish I were traveling. I’ve put forth so much effort on this, I feel like I ought to just go out to the airport and fly round trip to Chicago or something. Don’t I wish I had the money for that!!!
Lovely traveling times to you all.
Lois La Rose, Milwaukee, WI
Pretty much seconding Cody Turner, with the exception that I separate my supplies into multiple bags and keep at least some infusion sets (though no insulin) in a checked bag. You never know what may go missing.
Over 14 years pumping and never been asked to take off or turn off the pump.
I carry food, juice and glucose tablets but can pretty much assure you that peanut butter will be confiscated.
One key thing: don’t change your pump clock with changing timezones. Keep it as is until you land and then re-set. Depending on your basals and the direction you are flying you can end up seriously under- or over-insulinized.
Hey All, Again:
Even though my link isn’t “blue,” I clicked on it and got to the exact spot I found at the TSA. Will miracles never cease?!
Lois La Rose
Milwaukee, WI
P.S. You realize that you all owe me having a good time on your trips for all the work I’ve done!! (Just kidding!)
you can rest assured i will definately be having good time =)
I spent 2 months in Guatemala over the summer and had no problem bringing my pump supplies there. Before leaving, I made sure to get a doctor’s letter, and have it translated to spanish. I brought 3 months worth of supplies in a duffel to carry-on and surprisingly had absolutely no trouble. When I went through security in the US, they just sent it through the x-ray machine and took a very quick peek after. I tried to say “I am a diabetic”, but they just waived me through. I made sure that I never let the duffel out of my sight while traveling (it also had to make it through a 6 hour bumpy bus ride). I have also found out (accidently) that I am OK if my insulin is not refrigerated, as long as it is not particularly hot.
I have done a lot of flying and have never had issues going through security or on the plane. I always leave my pump on and make sure I have everything I need on me.