• Guest - w'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the 2025 Survey »

Type 1 Airport security

Nicko2K

Nicko2K

Well-Known Member
Messages
97
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Hi i am travelling abroad soon and wondered about any airport security issues with me carrying insulin/needles. I remember reading somewhere i may need a letter from my doctor to present to security. Is this true and what other possible problems can be encountered when flying and entering other countries. Thanks for any advice! :-))

Sent from the Diabetes Forum App
 
ive never had any problems/questions and I fly quite regularly (European airports). Not sure about overseas
 
I have never seen or heard of problems with diabetics taking their meds or syringes along. I guess that airport personnel is very familiar with this situation. And - believe me - no air carrier would wish to have a person having a potential hypo or hyper onboard their craft ...

Annelise

- As an aside, I am always pulled aside after going through the 'portal' - (I mostly beep and strongly so) and have had some kind of rough mauling/handling. Reason: I had a metal shoulder implant a few years ago, but why they think this elderly much travelled lady would carry a gun where they do in films, I cannot fathom ... However, I am actually more worried when they do not stop me ... first thought then: bad airport security ..
 
Hi Nicko

I was given a letter by a specialist nurse at the diabetes centre where I live. It reads:

To Whom it may concern

Re: NAME

I can confirm that the above named person has Diabetes Mellitus and is treated with insulin. They need to carry medical equipment in the form of syringes/needles, insulin therapy and blood glucose monitoring equipment in order to care for their condidtion.

The letter is on headed paper from the local NHS Trust
 
Will ask for one thanks! Will put mind at ease anyway if i have some sort of authenticating document. I thought it may have been more of a problem with security regarding fluids and vials in hand luggage :|

Sent from the Diabetes Forum App
 
The most trouble I had with airport security was an Optium Xceed tests trip wrapper setting off the metal detector - they spent about 5 min poking it with their handheld devices and xraying it ;)
No one ever blinked an eye at insulin, BG meters or even my CGM+ inserted sensor.
 
Sounds about normal. I usually get pulled aside for probing and pat downs so atleast they will have something to find this time. Guess must look suspicious lol

Sent from the Diabetes Forum App
 
Never had an issue either... & traveled outside the EU too..

They got "suss" over a five pack of Mars bars once & I had a security guard pull a gun over a "stage prop" in my hand luggage going to a gig...
The insulin needles & test stuff has never been a problem... I now leave the light sabre at home.... Lol
 
This is not helpful but your question provoked a memory. A young lady poster on here was once indignant since although she had got the necessary letter she still got searched. She seemed to think that the letter made her immune from security measures.

You may have the necessary letter but wear clean underwear as well.
 
Oh great reminder I have gone commando before but soon learnt it wasnt a bright idea. Especially when they strip me of my belt and ask me to raise my hands out either side :-D lol

Sent from the Diabetes Forum App
 
People are usually very nice, the only place I had a bad experience was Gatwick when someone must really have been having a bad day and turned my neatly packed kit bag upside down to go through everything, in public, and then left me with a large mess to sort out.

Hong Kong wanted to see my Dr's letter and asked how many needles I was carrying, but no problems with it.
 
Best to be prepared ....many people take their medication list with them as well, or a GP letter about their medications and sometimes other health issues....
You may have to pay for a medical letter of course, but the computer printout list of your medication is free....I always carry one in my bag
 
The only time I've ever been stopped was in Nepal and I had a letter, but generally I don't think you need one; medication is not declarable in custom terms either. Having said that you may want to check out the US State Department web site if you are flying there; I've been without any letters but think someone here said that there is a requirement to have supporting documents.

Here's a link; it is apparently not a requirement to declare insulin afterall; http://www.bd.com/us/diabetes/page.aspx?cat=7001&id=7355

Only caveat would be Saudi Arabia where they have insane prohibitions; no paracetamol and the like combined with equally insane penalties so be extra careful there.

Best

Dillinger
 
Kat100 said:
Best to be prepared ....many people take their medication list with them as well, or a GP letter about their medications and sometimes other health issues....
You may have to pay for a medical letter of course, but the computer printout list of your medication is free....I always carry one in my bag
Click to expand...

I had my "doctors note" issued when I saw my DSN in the surgery on the spot...
I incurred no charge..! :)
 
Back
Top