So, I was reading the post about new flying restrictions, but I have yet to fly since being diagnosed and have a trip planned at the end of the month. As far as flying with my pump, it shouldn’t be any problem from what I’m gathering, but do I need anything from my doctor stating the fact that I have diabetes? Will the TSA agents just take my word that I have diabetes? Do I need to have copies of my prescriptions?
Thanks
Sweet. Saves me a trip to his office again this week. Thanks.
I’ve yet to have TSA question my vials or syringes for domestic travel, but I carry Rx with me anyway. Had heated words with one TSA agent about not subjecting my insulin to X-rays.
Take twice the amount of supplies you think you’ll need. I learned the hard way to bring extra meter batteries when my meter died at 2 AM in a hotel room.
I have air travelled a bit : to USA, Europe , within Canada from West to East Coast and back …my pump has never been a problem , when I showed wearing it on my slack’s waistband . The " agent " chap in Newfoundland, Canada showed me his !! …the letter from Doc ( needles , etc ) is with my travel papers ( never asked for by agents ) …with the exception when I forgot the letter , while air travelling within my province in 2009 …and NO problem , thank goodness . And it is good to be prepared , no matter where one travels to .My meds carry same name as my passport/drivers licence (use D.L. for National travel ID )
You would need a letter from your doctor stating you have diabetes and are taking insulin with a insulin pump. I would also bring those copies of the prescriptions just to be on the safe side. Good Luck and have a great time on vacation!
OK, when I first read the title of the discussion, I wanted to just answer “Wings”.
You don’t need anything from your doctor, but technically they can require that you have the original packaging of the prescription (i.e. like the box that the insulin came in), but I don’t usually take this and they have never asked me for it. Usually I bring along one box in addition to my insulin vials.
I fly a lot and never have been asked to show a letter from my doctor. Even why I fly internationally, I see that security agents are trained to know what an insulin pump is. I NEVER take my pump off, once I show them that it is attached to me they let me keep it on ( I usually put my infusion set on my abdomen when I travel, but above where the seat belt will go).
Hahaha! Thanks! Yeah, I didn’t think out the tittle of this post too well! I just wanted to make sure so that I could have all the documents with me that I would need! Yeah, I will be bring tons of extra stuff just to make sure. I’m going to Rhode Island and it will be much colder there than I’m used to- I’m from Florida! You never have an issue with the pump going through the detector? Good idea about making sure my infusion set is where I can easily show them… I wouldn’t have thought that far ahead, thanks Kristin!
i have used the Cozmo and the Minimed pump and they rarely set off the metal detector (sometimes they “pat me down” even if I don’t set off the detector. I once got a recommendation that the pump is less likely to set off the alarm if you clip it near the center of your body (horizontal center). I usually clip it to my jeans in the back right before walking through. (After showing the security guard that I have it on).
I NEVER put my pump through the X-ray (first because the manual says that I shouldn’t, second because I don’t consider it a sanitary place to disconnect).
Have a good trip! Let us know how it goes!!
Kristin:
You took my smart-alec answer!!! WINGS!!! ha ha ha ha!
Elizabeth, if you’re a pumper, there should have been a medical ID card with info like being on insulin, etc. But, yes, always carry extra supplies and scripts.
Lois La Rose
Milwaukee, WI
Thanks! Yeah, I read that too, but forgot about it… thanks for reminding me!
Recent restrictions on carry-on bag had me a bit worried about an upcoming trip. Then I found out you are allowed a carry-on bag for medical supplies.
This link has some info on going through security.
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/editorial_1374.shtm#3