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

Airports

M

macha

Newbie
Messages
1
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Hello,

I am an insulin-dependent diabetic of 25+ years standing.

When travelling FR-UK (I live in France) I have always placed my insulin pens (Novomix 30) in my hand luggage and let it pass through the scanner without ever declaring it.

I have never had any problem until yesterday when travelling home from Manchester T1, when my bag was pulled out and subjected to intensive scrutiny.

I was told that I should have put my 2 pens into a clear plastic bag and declared them, and to always do that in future.

Does anyone know anything about this - I cannot find any information about this requirement anywhere and would be grateful for any comments, experiences, etc.

Many thanks.
 
Hi @macha and welcome to the forums, I think it's the insulin (a liquid) in the pens that is the issue. When I fly internationally I normally have some spare cartridges with me so they do go in the clear bag and I declare them. I must admit I don't normally bother with the pens, I suspect I usually have one in my handbag.

And most of the domestic flights in NZ don't do security checks at all because the planes going in and out of the regional airports are too small.
 
I agree with @EllieM - all liquids must be placed in a clear bag. Sometimes security ignore this rule for insulin pens but I have had it before.
As with all security staff, I am polite with them and, where reasonable, follow their instructions - they have a lot of power. When I disagree with their behaviour or instructions, I will report it to a supervisor after I have "passed" security.
Knowing this may happen, I always give myself extra time for security when flying.

If you have single use insulin pens, I highly recommend requesting reusable ones. Not only are they more robust and produce less waste, it is easier to carry spare cartridges in a clear plastic bag when travelling.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I have traveled quite a lot and always carry my insulin with pens in a bum bag , hand luggage sometimes pockets and usually just let the security know to which I usually get a smile , no worries mate , go through , I think you might have just come across a jobs worth , the only time I have had to reveal them was at our local airport where they only have a couple of flights a day and I think he just wanted something to do .
 
Back
Top