If you are diabetic, you likely have a host of diabetic medical supplies by your side at all times. If you like to travel a lot, you surely will want to know the best way to transport your diabetic supplies when on a plane. If you don’t carry them properly, it’s possible that they could be confiscated or you might not be allowed to board the plane.
Visit the Doctor
If you are planning a trip that requires a flight, be sure to visit your doctor anywhere from four to six weeks prior to the trip. Show the itinerary to the doctor so he can determine if you will need to have changes made to your insulin regimen or pill. Also, have the doctor give you extra in the event that you lose your medicine on the trip.
Tell TSA
Make sure that you tell the agents with the TSA that you are diabetic and have medication with you upon your arrival at the airport. Be sure to tell the agent if you have needles in your carry-on luggage and if you are wearing an insulin pump. The pump will need to be visually inspected by the agent.
Show Proof
Make sure that you provide proof to the TSA agent that the medication was prescribed by a physician. This can include a note on a letterhead or an actual prescription from the doctor. Travel with the original box the medication came in and the proper pharmaceutical labeling.
Pack in a Carry-On
Pack the medication in a carry-on that meets the requirements of the airline so it fits properly under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin. This helps to lower the chances of your medication being lost during the flight. Ask the flight staff if you can refrigerate the medication during the flight.
Follow these steps to properly transport your diabetic medical supplies when flying for your next vacation or business trip.
