I'm travelling from Calgary to Vancouver tomorrow night and I'm not sure what I can bring in my carry on and what has to go in my checked luggage.
I obviously like to carry my pen and needles, meter and some glucose tabs. My doctor wrote me a note saying I'm supposed to travel with these. Will I have any problems not having the needles, etc., in their original boxes? Can I bring glucose tabs on the plane?
I’ve never had any problems traveling in the U.S. and between the U.S. and Central America with insulin pens, needles, glucose tabs, meter etc in my carry on. I’ve heard similar reports from others on here. I haven’t flown in Canada since diagnosis but I doubt it is stricter. If you’re very concerned you could go to the airline website and they will list restrictions. In the U.S. all you have to say is American Disabilities Act if anyone gave you a hassle which nobody does.
I’ve only been questioned about my supplies once. I had two zip locks with liquids and was only suppose to have one so they pulled me aside and looked thru the bag. They just asked if I was Diabetic. I usually only have a couple pens with me so they’re never in the original box along with my meter, candy and tabs. I make sure everything is easily seen in the xray and I bring everything in my carry on, I never check it. You run the risk of never seeing it again if they lose it. I think I will get a letter though, I’ve heard it’s a good idea.
With the letter you shouldn’t have any problems. If worse comes to worse they may swab it for traces of explosives (S.O.P.) and then you should be cleared. Other than that it should be fine.
Thanks you guys. This makes me feel a lot better about it. It’s the first time I’ve travelled as a diabetic and I’m travelling by myself, so I’m a bit nervous. I’ll report back and let you know how it goes.
In 2001, just at the end of August, I spent 3 weeks in Europe. I brought 6 weeks of supplies with me and never had a problem traveling. I went to Czech Republic and Bulgaria, and arrived home in the US about 4 days before 9/11.
Since then, of course the air travel restrictions have changed multiple times with each new perceived threat (liquids, shoes, etc.). I have flown within the US a few times and have never had a problem with either syringes or the pump. I always make sure to tell the TSA (in the US) screeners that I have used sharps in my bag and that I am wearing an insulin pump. In the US there are only restrictions on liquids for the general public. Glucose tablets are never an issue here, and there are even exceptions for carrying juice on the plane with you. Insulin is, of course, a prescribed medicine, and is therefore permitted on all flights.
every airport n-zi is different and some don’t really know the rules. Get a transport canada web site and print out the rules so you can argue based on written evidence. God they gave me trouble about a CO2 powered life west even though the document I had said they were ok To be on the safe side keep the pack of syringes unopened and cut out the prescription on the box if you don’t want to take the whole box. calgary airport really bad.
