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Flying with lancets and needles - do I have to get a doctor's note?

shesk

shesk

Newbie
Messages
2
Location
Cambridge
Type of diabetes
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
I've got a flight on Thursday and I wondered if I might have a problem with security if I'm travelling with lancets and needles - the screw in sort for use with an insulin pen. Does anyone know please, or know how I might find out? Thank you.
 
Resurgam said:
contact the airline, as different ones have different rules.
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Thank you. I looked it up on the airline's website in the end and apparently I need medical certification, whatever they mean by that, so now starts the long wait to get through to the surgery.
 
Hi @Resurgam

Years ago my doctor typed a letter for me to confirm why I was carrying needles etc. Now I just take my prescription - whether that's right or not though is another thing, so probably best to check with the airline you are travelling with.

Have fun :)

Melissa x
 
I always carry a letter with me along with my prescription. Tell them when you check in, then have the letter/prescription ready to show at Security :)
 
I also always carry a typed letter from my doctor, although I've never been asked to produce it. Likewise, I've had all my pens, needles, insulin cartridges, tester, lancet device, lancets, etc go through the scanner - and it's never been an issue in ~50 internal flights.

Prague via Amsterdam on Thursday so I'll let you know the outcome then:) Always better safe than sorry though, so the note will be travelling with me.
 
One other thing to add, @azure informed me that you are typically entitled to another item of hand luggage for medical supplies. You may want to check with your airline though, but it will certainly be handy if your bags are otherwise full:)
 
Yes, many companies offer that option :) Check out the website for confirmation about the individual policies.

Of course, if your trip is short, it may not apply, but it's useful to know for future reference :)
 
@shesk, I'm not doing much today, so if you want to let me know where you're flying to and from, and with what airline - then I can read through and provide you with a copy of their terms and conditions if that helps any?
 
shesk said:
so now starts the long wait to get through to the surgery.
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If you don't manage to get a letter just take a copy of your repeat prescription with you, it details all your meds and has your name and address on it (and that of your gp surgery's too).

Rarely do you get asked to produce anything but it's worth taking something along just to avoid any delays. Have a safe journey.
 
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