Flying With Diabetes: Your Complete Guide to Airport Security!

Great news: The European Aviation Safety and Security Agency (AESA) does not mandate any specific documents for taking a plane with diabetes and medical supplies.

AESA does not require a medical certificate for transporting your diabetic supplies aboard. However, having visible prescription labels on your medications and devices can facilitate a smoother and quicker security check at the airport.

Although not compulsory, a doctor’s note or a diabetes travel letter detailing your condition and listing all your diabetic equipment and medications is advisable—it could be particularly useful if you encounter an inexperienced or stringent security agent or find yourself in a country with stricter standards. 

TSA Regulations for Diabetics in USA

Like in Europe, the American Transport and Security Administration (TSA) does not require any specific documents to fly domestically with diabetes and diabetic supplies. 

But similarly, a medical certificate could help speed the process up and avoid misunderstandings with some security agents. The TSA does recommend you fill out a TSA notification card for individuals with disabilities and medical conditions. Again, while not obligatory, it can be useful to discreetly inform the agent about your diabetes, as well as to speed the screening process up.

More Information: TSA Regulations for Diabetics: Traveling with Diabetes Supplies & Insulin (USA).

Flying Abroad with Diabetes

Traveling abroad with medications and medical supplies requires a thorough understanding of various international regulations.

Each country enforces its own laws regarding allowed medications and the necessity of accompanying medical prescriptions. Ignoring these regulations can result in significant consequences, ranging from the confiscation of your items to severe legal penalties, including charges of international drug trafficking.

Fortunately, diabetic supplies and medications like insulin are widely recognized worldwide. As long as you carry only the amount needed for personal use during your trip, you are unlikely to face any problems.

However, we do recommend confirming which medications are permitted in your destination country and what documentation might be required for them. For accurate and up-to-date information, contact the embassy or consulate of your destination before departure. 

What Diabetic Supplies Can You Bring on a Plane?

Understanding what you can bring aboard can ease your journey. Diabetics fly daily, equipped with everything from insulin pumps to CGMs, without hassle. Here’s what you need to know about flying with diabetes and injectable medicines, like insulin, Ozempic, and others. 

First, all your diabetic supplies are allowed on planes. This includes :

• Insulin vials
• Insulin pens
• Preloaded insulin syringes
• Needles
• Lancets
• Blood glucose meters
• Continuous blood glucose monitors
• Test strips
• Alcohol swabs
• Infusion kits
• Glucagon emergency kits
• Urine ketone strips
• Sharps disposal containers
• Liquids, such as juice for managing hypoglycemia. Despite general liquid restrictions, diabetics can bring juice, liquid nutrition, or glucose gels on board.
• Any diabetes medications you've been prescribed (Victoza, Byetta, Ozempic, Mounjaro, Trulicity, etc.)

Flying with Needles and Syringes

You can travel with both used and unused needles and syringes for injectable medicines like insulin and other prescribed diabetes drugs. If they are unused, ensure they accompany the medicine they are intended for and declare them at airport security checkpoints for inspection.

Used syringes and needles should be transported in sharps disposal containers or similar hard-surface containers to prevent injury. If a sharps container isn’t available, a sturdy plastic container, like those for laundry detergent or coffee, will suffice.

Specifics to Flying with Insulin and Diabetes Injections

• Quantities Allowed on Planes: You can take insulin and other diabetes injectable medicines like Victoza, Byetta, Ozempic, Glucagon, Mounjaro, etc., in quantities larger than 3.4 ounces.There's no limit to the amount of insulin you can carry, but large quantities might raise questions at customs, so ensure it's clear the supplies are for personal use and necessary for the duration of your stay (with a medical prescription, for instance). 

• Carry-On Requirement: Always carry insulin and diabetes medications in your hand luggage due to potential damage from temperature and pressure variations in the cargo hold. Keep the labels visible to facilitate quick identification by security agents.

• Medical Documentation: No official documents are required to fly with insulin and diabetic supplies. However, carrying a medical certificate can expedite security screenings and is recommended, especially for international travel.

• X-ray Safety: Insulin and other diabetes injections are safe to pass through X-ray machines. If uncomfortable, request a manual inspection by security personnel.

Insulin Coolers Approved for Air Travel 

Even when traveling, remember to store your unopened insulin vials, pens, or cartridges refrigerated between 2°C to 8°C. Once you've opened them, or if they've been outside the fridge, they remain effective for approximately a month at a controlled room temperature, no warmer than 25°C!

Related article: Insulin Storage Explained: Room Temperature vs. Refrigeration!

If you're flying with opened, unrefrigerated insulin, you need to keep it cool below 25°C during the flight. Aircraft cabins rarely reach above this temperature. However, if the temperature at your departure or arrival airport exceeds 25°C, you need to carry your injections in a travel cooler!

If you're flying with refrigerated insulin, maintaining your insulin at refrigerator temperature becomes imperative throughout your journey, including during flights. Previously, passengers could request flight attendants to refrigerate their insulin; this practice has been halted since 2001 for security reasons.

Therefore, you need to carry your insulin in refrigerated travel cases or specialised mini fridges for insulin, like the ones from 4AllFamily, which are all approved for air travel!

Related article: Traveling with Insulin: How to Keep it Cool or Refrigerated?

Insulin Pumps & CGMs at Airport Security Screenings

You can fly with insulin pumps and all related accessories (vials, cartridges, batteries, etc.), as well as continuous glucose monitors (CGMs).

However, while these diabetes management devices are allowed and generally safe to bring on planes, they may be sensitive to x-ray machines, metal detectors, and full-body scanners used for airport security screenings.

Some manufacturers advise against passing these devices through these security technologies due to potential damage, including Medtronic insulin pumps. While others say it's fine and safe, like Dexcom G6 CGM and Free Style Libre. 

Always consult the manufacturer for specific guidance on device sensitivity to security screenings at the airport. If you're concerned about damage from electronic screenings, you always have the right to request a manual pat-down search instead. 

FAQs About Flying with Diabetes 

Can You Inject Insulin During the Flight?

Absolutely, you can inject your insulin during the flight! Just keep a few safety precautions in mind for your well-being.

Due to changes in air pressure during take-off and landing, you might notice that your insulin pen, prefilled syringe, or pump reservoirs develop air bubbles. Don’t worry—while air bubbles can be problematic if injected directly into a blood vessel, they’re not dangerous when injected subcutaneously, as with insulin. However, these bubbles can lead to administering less insulin than you intended, potentially affecting your blood glucose levels during your flight. To prevent this issue, make sure to prime your insulin pens before injecting. 

Does Flying Affect Blood Sugar?

When flying with diabetes, various factors can influence your blood sugar levels, including stress, changes in routine, dehydration, lack of sleep, and altitude. During your flight, you might notice elevated blood glucose levels.

To manage this, consider limiting your carbohydrate intake and adjusting your insulin dosage accordingly. Conversely, you might also experience hypoglycaemic episodes that are out of the ordinary for you. It's always a good idea to keep some fast-acting sugar snacks within reach just in case.

Remember, these fluctuations are typically temporary, and your levels should stabilise within a few hours after you arrive at your destination.

Should Diabetics Wear Compression Socks When Flying?

Compression socks can be beneficial for diabetics when flying, especially during long flights, for several reasons.

• Improved Circulation: Compression socks help promote blood flow in the legs, reducing the risk of swelling and discomfort. This is particularly important for those with diabetes, as circulation issues can be a concern.

• Reduced Risk of Blood Clots: Long periods of sitting can increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Compression socks can help mitigate this risk by encouraging blood flow.

• Comfort: Many travelers find that compression socks provide added comfort during flights, helping to reduce fatigue in the legs.

However, it's essential to choose the right type of compression socks. Opt for ones specifically designed for travel or medical purposes, and consult your healthcare provider to ensure they're suitable for your needs. If you have diabetic neuropathy, compression socks may not be recommended for you!

Share Your Insights With Us!

We hope this article has answered your questions! If you have any more inquiries or need further clarification about flying with diabetes, feel free to drop a comment below. We’re here to help and would love to hear from you!