Hi all.I’m going to Manchester,England in 24 hours.via London Heathrow.I’m really excited about it but I’m worries sick as to what to do with the pump. I’ve been to England plenty of times.Only once with diabetes.LAst time I went I had a little mishap with the insulin coolers because of the whole no liquids allowed situation.But I’ve never ever traveled with a pump-recently acquired 
-.All I’ve got prepared is my a card-looks like a credit card-,that has my name on it.Ad says that I’m diabetic and I need a pump.Is that enough?,where should I put my supplies,carry-ons or luggage?.Should I let my pump through the scanner?.
I’ve read discussions about traveling but now that I’m going and have no time to plan I’m really worried.
I wouldn’t worry to much about it. The only problem I ever had was coming back from Bolivia and they saw my needles in my bag before i was pumping. But lately I haven’t had any problems. I always pack most of my supplies in my carry-on and have a couple of extra set’s in my checked bag. I’ve never let me pump go through the scanner. I always just keep it in my pocket and don’t say anything unless they ask. Sometimes they just let it go through without any questions, but I’ve never been given much problems over it. I also try to make sure that the insulin bottles I bring have the presciption with my name on it. All of this could be useless since I’ve haven’t been to Europe yet.
Don’t worry about it -I travel with my pump all the time - was just in England in June (traveling from States and then through Europe) and going again in 2 weeks. No problems at all. I don’t even tell them I have it unless they’re patting me down then I tell them I’m wearing a pump and it’s in my pocket. Last time they asked me to put it on the table behind them and I told them “ummm I’m attached to it” and they apologized profusely and said nevermind lol I always carry all my supplies in my carry on - I have a letter from my doc saying I’m t1 diabetic, on the pump and need my supplies with me - was never asked to show it and they never say anything about the supplies (except in Germany they were confused why I had 10 bottles of liquid glucose - once I told them they didn’t care :)) So no worries. I’m from Europe originally so I fly there from the States all the time - never a problem.
I travelled w/ mine and it worked ok. My main concern is that “conditions” could change and some “event” prompting a change in the security requirements I’ll get short notice of a need for some sort of documentation.
You really shouldn’t have any problems. I always disclose that I’m wearing a pump beforehand, as the pump cannot go thru x-rays or body scans. So far I’ve just been waved through the metal detector, sometimes encounted mild curiosity. I have a letter from my endo and one from animas, gathering dust in my passport wallet.
Always carry your insulin with you - it can freeze in checked baggage. Some airlines allow you to take an extra bag for med supplies. I always carry at least 2 days’ supplies with me just in case, and overall double what I think I’ll need for the trip.
I hope I'm not too late. I wrote this for T2s but I think some of the TSA and ADA links on it may help you:Travelling With Type 2
Scroll down to "Medications and Diabetes Supplies"
Bon voyage :)
Cheers, Alan, T2, Australia
Everything in Moderation - Except laughter
Thank you all for your help,greatly appreciate it.
I have one question left,should I tell them I have diabetes before or after going through metal detectors.And if they do ring,
should I take it off let them pass it through the scanner?
I’d tell the before. I don’t take mine off. I think they get squirrellier if you attempt to take it off.
Definitely tell them BEFORE going through the scanner. You can go through a regular metal detector with your pump, but NO FULL BODY SCANNERS. They can potentially damage the pump. DO NOT put your pump through the x-ray machine either. It’s easiest just to NOT take your pump off. It is a life-sustaining medical device and you don’t want to take the risk of it getting lost or accidentally picked up by someone else while de-tached. I just tell them I cannot take it off because it’s constantly delivering insulin that I need to stay alive. They are ok with that.
I do always carry a note from my doc stating that I’m a type 1 diabetic and a list of supplies I have to have with me at all times. But so far, it has never been needed. Just be nice and assertive about what you need and you should be fine.
Asma, I almost forgot, have a blast!