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Flying with medication

M

Mke

Member
Messages
5
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Hi

I have type 2, and only have tablets to control my levels. I also use a CPAP machine for sleep apnoea

I have a long haul flight booked, at the end of February and I have never flown before. The airline is Saadia; I sent an inquiry as to where I carry my medication etc and they replied with a link to a MEDIF form. This form is to prove I am medically fit to fly and is to be filled out by a doctor.

When I initially went for all my vaccinations, the doctors stated that they don't do letters for medications and just to take a copy of my prescription.

Does anyone have any experience or advice with reference to this as communication with the airline is useless as they don't seem to be able to answer my questions and I cannot seem to find anyone to speak to at Heathrow airport either. Its very frustrating.

Many thanks
 
It would depend a bit on what medication you're on.

I don't think anyone T2 - to my recollection - has reported being pulled up over taking diabetic medication on to a plane: sharps (eg) could well be another question.

When I used a CPAP I never had any problem flying, and every airline allowed me to take the gear as an additional carry-on. I did have a discussion once with someone at security who said I should have a letter from my GP. I pointed out that my GP was not involved in anything to do with my CPAP, and I was being treated by a specialist service, who had provided a form letter.
 
As far as I know, unless you're needing to take opioid type medications or large amounts of fluids with you, there is no need for a letter about anything, it's no different than taking enough underwear or a toothbrush. Your prescription is more than enough proof that your medication is indeed for you.

The MEDIF form is meant for people who are likely to need assistence with medical issues during the flight so they are prepared to get you the assistence you need. If you're well and only need some medication, you're no different than half the people on the plane.
I can imagine Saadia sent you this form because you indicated you were worried about something medical but they didn't exactly understand your question because bringing medication with you is what half the people on the plane do. They are not interested in keeping track on this, why would they?
 
Reactions: Mke
Thanks for your reply
 
Hi Mike
I fly quite frequently with diabetes supplies including medication & sharps. I also have a blood glucose monitor (libre2).
Go to your surgery & request a letter (to whom it may concern)from your GP stating that you have diabetes & need to carry your medication & blood testing kit & you wear a monitor if relavent. They may charge for this (mine was £10 I think?) . Make a transaction into the appropriate language to clip to the letter. This saves a lot of time.
If you wear a blood glucose monitor then you cannot go or take any spares through the scanners. Request a body search at security- they are used to this. On diabetes UK site there is a notice you can print explaining this. Again translate (eg google translate)& attach the translation.
Finally put all your meds, blood testing kit, BP monitoring , sensors & snacks etc into a separate should bag or small rucksack . Label clearly as medical supplies bad (luggage labels on Etsy) . This does not count as your hand luggage but be reasonable re size & what you put in.
Finally I found a small plastic sharps box for traveling on the diabetes UK website which is really useful.
It sounds a lot of prep but once done that’s it & it’s really useful. On the plus side I tend to get through security faster than my husband as I don’t need to queue for security.
When you get to the airport let checkin know (they often put a note fir the flight crew) & as soon as you get to the security bit approach one of the security personnel & explain your situation & show them your letter & sensory note. They will take you to or open up a special channel. You may sometimes have to wait with the (empt) pushchairs
. If you do wear a sensor - wear a tee shirt so that you can easily show the person searching you. Don’t wear a big buckle belt.
Most importantly have a great trip!
KR Paule
 
Thank you for your reply. Luckily I don't need to monitor my blood but will be taking a testing kit, just to be on the safe side
 
Carry your prescription tablets in a clear pouch in your hand luggage, in their original box's with the prescription sticker on. You shouldn't need a doctors letter for these. You may need one if you're carrying needles or wearing a libre. I've only travelled through Stansted, not Heathrow so not sure about Heathrow. Can't advise about the Cpap either. Sorry.
 
Thank you for your advice
 
@Mke, I agree with @NaomiJC . I fly a lot, both domestic and international. I carry all my meds in my carry on luggage. I keep them in the dispensing containers they come in. The attached labels have all the details clearly displayed. The Dr’s name, their licence number, the medication type, your name, and the dispensing pharmacy with address and telephone numbers. That is the general advice given for travellers crossing international borders.
People run into trouble when they take their pills out of the dispensing container and put them in baggies, probably to save space. You risk being detained.
 
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