Do airlines allow diabetic needle use on flights?
Posted by admin
carmelmoccasin asked:
I am a Type 1 diabetic, that has never flown before. I am planning a trip that will happen with in the next year. Do airlines allow insulin needles on flights and how do they regulate those items?
Joseph
I am a Type 1 diabetic, that has never flown before. I am planning a trip that will happen with in the next year. Do airlines allow insulin needles on flights and how do they regulate those items?
Joseph
March 19th, 2009 at 6:50 pm
Unless they want to be sued by every diabetic that flys, they cannot tell you can’t used your insulin. Look at your airlines web site and see how they want items like that displayed and packed in your carry-on bag. I know all airlines make allowances for person with medical conditions of all types.
March 22nd, 2009 at 3:25 am
Ya know since 911 I don’t know exact rules on that You probably have to have proof of diabetes card along with insulin and unopened box or bags with labels on them and I imagine they have special place for them however I would recommend calling ahead and asking you may have to find a pharmacy at your destination and have them ready for pick up when you arrive I’d call ahead to place the order you could have your dr do that but my grandmother never had trouble with hers pre 9-11 so just call particular airport and airlines or check online for their guidelines… I don’t think you’ll have any problems though
March 24th, 2009 at 11:50 am
I’ve flown most airlines since 911. I have never had any problems with my insulin or needles. Make sure you have a container to take your needles with you when you depart. Also many flights are delayed, and if you have a problem with low blood sugar, be sure to take something with a lot of carbs with you on the plane. If you tend to pass out be sure to tell a fellow passenger about your diabetes.
March 25th, 2009 at 6:12 pm
OF COURSE they are allowed!!!
And as a diabetic, you know exactly how to dispose of those used needles appropriately, yes??
NOT in the trash can or in the seat back pockets! If you have any doubts or questions, PLEASE ask your flight attendant for a ’sharps container’.
Thanks!
March 28th, 2009 at 11:31 pm
You will [or should] be asked by your travel agent if you have any medical problems/requirements. This then, will be noted and forwarded on to the airline.
If in doubt, contact the airline yourself and explain the situation and ask that this be passed onto the air crew. Re-confirm with the air crew when you board your flight.
Have a good trip.
March 30th, 2009 at 10:51 pm
An airline cannot deny you to use your medicine. Talk about a law suit waiting to happen!! To make traveling a lot easier for you is when you book your flight with a travel agent or reservations agent, they will note in your PNR ( passengers name record ) that you have a medical issue. If you feel comfortable, let one of the flight attendants know that you are a diabetic and they will do their best to make sure you are comfortable on the flight. Make sure you dispose of your needles properly ( you already knew that huh =D ) Relax, enjoy, have a safe flight. Don’t worry, since 9/11 flying may seem as if it has become more complicated. It hasn’t it’s just safer =)
March 31st, 2009 at 7:29 pm
You won’t have any problems, airlines carry passengers with diabetes every day. Just make sure to have all your insulin, testing supplies, and other items together in one place (a seperate bag such as a gallon zip top bag works well) so that you can easily remove them for inspection by the TSA screener when you go through security. Here’s a link to the TSA website with more info. You may need to scroll down about 3/4 of the way
Most airports have sharps containers in the restrooms, usually on a wall near the entrance or the trash cans, for safe disposal of used needles. Carrying a small sharps container (usually available at your local pharmacy) can be handy, especially if you’ll need to give yourself an injection while on the plane. Like the above flight attendant said, please do not dispose of your needles in the seat pocket or trash cans.
It’s always a good idea to carry some candy or other food to help with dips in blood sugar as not all flights offer food or even food for purchase. Carrying a list of your doctor’s name(s) and contact info as well as a list of all meds and dosages can be very helpful to emergency personelle if anything should happen to you. As a traveler with a medical condition I always make sure I have a list not only with my meds, but in my purse/carry on as well.
April 1st, 2009 at 9:04 pm
YES, you are allowed to bring with you your insulin needles.
all you need is to bring with you your Prescription of your insulin.
bringing of medicine any where is permitted as long as you have the Prescription with you. you will not have any problem with immigration,customs,TSA or any personnel inside the airport terminal or inside the plane.
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April 3rd, 2009 at 12:56 am
I am 15 and i have type 1 diabetes. I fly at least 4 times a year, and im on the pump. I always take needles, insulin and extra supplies in my carry on just in case. I also carry a prescription note from my doctor in case they question the items. THEY NEVER HAVE. I take syringes in my backpack and pocket and they don’t ask, and the metal detector does not go off. And that is at LAX, high security….?