Hey there,
If you've traveled by air recently, you know that airport security screening is serious business these days. Here are a few tips on traveling with diabetes.
The information below is excerpted from the guidelines for travelers with type 1 diabetes provided by the TSA. You may want to check the TSA website (
www.tsa.gov), as well as call your airline for additional information, before leaving for your trip.
Inform the Security Officer that your child has type 1 diabetes and you are carrying supplies with you.
Inform the Security Officer if you think your child may become upset during the screening process.
Offer suggestions on how to best accomplish the screening to minimize any confusion or outburst for the child.
Know that at no time during the screening process will you be separated from your child.
Know that if a private screening is required, you should escort and remain with your child during the private screening process.
The following type 1 diabetes-related supplies and equipment are allowed through the checkpoint once they have been screened:
- insulin and insulin loaded dispensing products (vials or box of individual vials, jet injectors, pens, infusers, and preloaded syringes);
- unlimited number of unused syringes when accompanied by insulin or other injectable medication;
- lancets, blood glucose meters, blood glucose meter test strips, alcohol swabs, meter-testing solutions;
- insulin pump and insulin pump supplies (cleaning agents, batteries, plastic tubing, infusion kit, catheter, and needle);
- glucagon emergency kit;
- urine ketone test strips;
- unlimited number of used syringes when transported in Sharps disposal container or other similar hard-surface container.
- Sharps disposal containers or similar hard-surface disposal container for storing used syringes and test strips.
- Insulin in any form or dispenser must be clearly identified.
If you are concerned or uncomfortable about your child going through the walk-through metal detector with an insulin pump, notify the screener that your child would like a full-body pat-down and a visual inspection of the pump instead.
Advise the screener that the insulin pump cannot be removed because it is inserted with a catheter (needle) under the skin.
Insulin pumps and supplies must be accompanied by insulin.
Advise screeners if your child is experiencing low blood sugar and is in need of medical assistance.
You have the option of requesting a visual inspection of your insulin and type 1 diabetes associated supplies.
If you encounter problems with the screening process, ask to speak with the TSA security supervisor. You can report problems encountered while traveling by calling the TSA Consumer Response Center toll free at 1-866-289-9673.
Have a great trip!
