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Vueling & Diabetic certificate

JaneC

JaneC

Well-Known Member
Messages
217
Location
Oxfordshire
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Pump
Has anyone travelled with Vueling Airlines and been asked to produce a ‘Diabetic Certificate’ from their doctor? This apparently is a requirement to be able to carry diabetic kit, ie my Omnipod 5, Dex G6 etc; I have a hospital letter but Certificate! After 40 years type 1, I seem to have missed sitting the exam for this one.
 
tagging a couple of pump users that may assist @Nicola M @EllieM

one family member, recently travelling non diabetic does have other controlled medicines for their illness required to keep a small medical bag with her supplies in it containing them. they brought repeat prescription slip, covering letter from both gp and consultant alongside all meds required to be in original boxes.

The covering letter had their flight booking references, times & dates Meds and equipment necessary. The only thing that was allowed in the medical bag was medical supplies. They flew with quantas alongside british airways. No idea for your particular airline what rules/proceedures in place are.
 
Can't say I've ever heard of a diabetes certificate. Admittedly, I don't even carry a doctor's letter anymore, as most airlines/airports know what diabetes is and what medication is required. I'd assume they just mean a doctor's/hospital letter detailing what equipment you have and why you need it. Personally, though, I'd see if you can ring their customer support to query what they mean by a "diabetes certificate".
 
I suspect a letter with suffice, would imagine that some countries can offer these but as a UK resident i've not heard of it.
 
Thanks so much for your replies, I think I’ll probably take a prescription and letter from hospital but will report back after Vueling flight next week. Am probably being over cautious in case there’s yet another hurdle to overcome in our diabetic lives. I do rather like the idea though of a Diabetic Certificate to have framed and placed on the wall next to any others I can find, eg 100 yard sprint certificate aged 12!
 
Nicola M said:
Personally, though, I'd see if you can ring their customer support to query what they mean by a "diabetes certificate".
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@JaneC theres a "Medical clearance to fly" link on their website:

here is the airlines telephone number: 02035143971 taken from https://help.vueling.com/hc/en-gb/articles/19916107516177-Contact-All-our-phone-numbers

is it that they are perhaps requesting?

also see page: https://help.vueling.com/hc/en-gb/articles/19798835871377-Medicine-and-Medical-Equipment
from medicine/equipment url above said:
You can carry your medication either in your hand luggage or in your checked luggage with peace of mind. If the medication is liquid and you want to take it with you into the cabin in your hand luggage, it must be placed in a transparent bag and not exceed 100 ml.

Diabetes kit: You must show a medical certificate at the airport if you want to take it with you on the plane.
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grantg said:
@JaneC theres a "Medical clearance to fly" link on their website:

here is the airlines telephone number: 02035143971 taken from https://help.vueling.com/hc/en-gb/articles/19916107516177-Contact-All-our-phone-numbers

is it that they are perhaps requesting?

also see page: https://help.vueling.com/hc/en-gb/articles/19798835871377-Medicine-and-Medical-Equipment
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Grant, thank you so much, tomorrow’s tasks sorted, appreciate this.
 
grantg said:
how did you get on @JaneC ? :)
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Hi Grant, am still happily away but didn’t have to produce my ‘diabetic certificate’ at Gatwick, did get taken to room to get frisked, body searched, pump and Dex scanned, boots taken off just in case but actually all quite pleasantly and quickly done. Had daughter to check and pick up rest of luggage on trays but I do worry when I have to travel on my own in a few months time. It’s a bit boring being type 1 and travelling!
 
JaneC said:
Hi Grant, am still happily away but didn’t have to produce my ‘diabetic certificate’ at Gatwick, did get taken to room to get frisked, body searched, pump and Dex scanned, boots taken off just in case but actually all quite pleasantly and quickly done. Had daughter to check and pick up rest of luggage on trays but I do worry when I have to travel on my own in a few months time. It’s a bit boring being type 1 and travelling!
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glad to hear your enjoying your holiday :)

wouldn't say boring at all enjoy the rest of your holibobs safe trip back. daugther had a fit being searched a few months ago non diabetic related lol she was 'randomly' searched prob as has some anxiety issues and looked a little out of whack or something the panic in her voice prior to letting me know and indeed relief straight after lol :D
 
Me banging on about security at airports again but am away again next month but travelling on my own. Going to Seville with my daughter was passable as she could look out for all my belongings, purse, passport, phone, FitBit ,insulin Omnipod PDM etc, keep an eye on my hand luggage that they decided had to be searched plus my boots that had to be removed while I was taken off to private room for body frisk, pump/CGM pat down. I worry a lot about this happening on my own and being able to locate all the items after, I’m told CCTV cameras are in use but I don’t have much faith in these, I was also reluctantly wearing a sunflower lanyard, staff were nice but following every rule. Does anyone have any suggestions that might help me with these situations please? I was widowed last year and my anxiety levels have hit new highs. Thanks
 
grantg said:
Sorry for your loss. Your last trip went pretty smoothly i'd try focus on positives :)

regarding general anxienty completely understandable, heres a workbook that you may perhaps find useful: https://www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk...1/08/moodjuice-supporting-anxiety-booklet.pdf that has helped me a little with needlephobia some breathing exercises etc. based on CBT (cognative behaviour therapy).
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Thanks again Grant, I cope generally better now with this sort of thing but just hoping unreasonably for ways of not having to go through this when travelling but guess we have to deal with the cards we’ve been given. Have been so grateful for your support.
 
JaneC said:
Me banging on about security at airports again but am away again next month but travelling on my own. Going to Seville with my daughter was passable as she could look out for all my belongings, purse, passport, phone, FitBit ,insulin Omnipod PDM etc, keep an eye on my hand luggage that they decided had to be searched plus my boots that had to be removed while I was taken off to private room for body frisk, pump/CGM pat down. I worry a lot about this happening on my own and being able to locate all the items after, I’m told CCTV cameras are in use but I don’t have much faith in these, I was also reluctantly wearing a sunflower lanyard, staff were nice but following every rule. Does anyone have any suggestions that might help me with these situations please? I was widowed last year and my anxiety levels have hit new highs. Thanks
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Tagging @EllieM for you, who has lots of experience with flying as a T1 and who may have some tips for you.
 
Yes, I fly quite a bit and as I now have a pump I get frisked every time. They've never taken me to a separate room, though, they just do it then and there. (But they ask me very politely so I guess if I was anxious (I'm not) they might take me to a separate room.)

I always make sure I have slip on shoes that are easy to take on and off because they quite often want me to remove them. I also make sure I have easy access glucose at all times as it's no fun going hypo while going through security.

I don't hesitate to fly on my own with all my gear though. Everything but the pump goes through the scanner.
 
EllieM said:
Yes, I fly quite a bit and as I now have a pump I get frisked every time. They've never taken me to a separate room, though, they just do it then and there. (But they ask me very politely so I guess if I was anxious (I'm not) they might take me to a separate room.)

I always make sure I have slip on shoes that are easy to take on and off because they quite often want me to remove them. I also make sure I have easy access glucose at all times as it's no fun going hypo while going through security.

I don't hesitate to fly on my own with all my gear though. Everything but the pump goes through the scanner.
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Thanks Ellie, I’m fine with all that, it’s just the being taken off from all the important irreplaceable things lefts on trays that could be taken or go astray that makes me vulnerable and doesn’t seem appropriate. I’m actually travelling via Bangkok to your territory, NZ to visit my daughter so very much looking forward to it, I have been before. Thanks for your help and Antje77 in tagging you.
 
I'm in the UK and my doctor issued a "diabetes passport" and a letter for travel, if anyone else is travelling you can ask the GP for these and they do not charge a fee.
 
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