Hi there! I'm flying off to America on 11 March, and I've got a couple of queries regarding the flight. Under the new (well fairly new) security arrangements, how do I go about carrying m insulin with me on the flight? Do I have to pack it in the suitcase to go in the hold, or can I take it with me? If I do take it with me, do I have to ask the flight attendants to put it in the fridge for me? I've got enough to last me through the holiday, so that's not a problem. I'm just a bit worried about having my insulin confiscated in case I need it on the flight.
Does anyone have any experience of this?
I travel regularly with work several flights per month.
I carry all my medication in hand luggage needles insulin oral meds.
Get your hands on a customs/doctors letter from your surgery this is a must as some airport security staff will want this.
I have a frio wallet to keep my insulin cool. I've not had to put it in a fridge but if you ask They may do this I have heard that some airlines may refuse this due to health and safety rubbish to do with food hygiene reasons... Maybe worth the wallet... I use it in Saudi at the minute and temps can reach 50 in the summer. And will keep cool upto 48 hours although I've felt it a week later and it's still cool.
In general most airline staff are really good I use the galley to administer insulin as who wants to hide in the toilet!!! I don't hide it I would do it in my seat if they refused but I have never been refused access for this... I don't believe in hiding away but I just think it's good practice especially in such confined space.
In summary carry all your meds in your hand luggage...
1 you won't lose it!
2 hold luggage can reach outside temperatures of -56 at altitude (trust me I'm an aircraft engineer by trade!!!)
Don't worry and have a great holiday!