Flying with pump

ashwilliaams · May 2, 2017

Hi everyone,
I am going to be flying, only domestically in about a month, I have not flown since going on an insulin pump is there anything I should know? Will I need a doctors note etc?
TIA

Deleted Account · May 2, 2017

I have flown many times with a pump. The flying part is relatively painless. As you are flying domestic, you do not have to worry about time difference, etc.
The main area you have to be alert is security. Your pump can NOT go through the x-ray. This means it should not go on the conveyor belt with your bags. It can go through the metal-detector archway thingy and, provided you remove any metal clips, it will not set off any alarms. The challenge comes if you are required to go through the human x-ray scanner (the big box in which you have to stand on the footmarks and hold your arms above your head). I have been advised by my healthcare team and pump manufacturer that the pump should not join you in this big box (some people say it is ok but i am not willing to test this theory). If you show your pump to the security team and explain, they should be ok. The way they handle it varies. Usually in the U.K., they ask you to remove the pump and will swab it as you stand with your hands in the air in the big box. If they offer to do this, they keep the pump within sight and give it back once you leave the big box. The other option (which they always do in the U.S.) is to pat you down so you do not have to wave your hands above your head. This may require some waiting around as there may not be a "patter-downer" of the appropriate gender around at the time.
I have never been asked for a doctor's letter. However, I always take one with me in case I need to show it to an over-zealous security person.
The only other thing I would mention is, if you are going away for a few nights, to make sure you have an alternative with you in case your pump fails whilst you are away. This may be the insulin bottle and a syringe, your old pens or some pump vendors may provide you with a loaner pump. And don't forget to bring a set change or two with you.

Nomi · May 2, 2017

helensaramay said:
I have flown many times with a pump. The flying part is relatively painless. As you are flying domestic, you do not have to worry about time difference, etc.
The main area you have to be alert is security. Your pump can NOT go through the x-ray. This means it should not go on the conveyor belt with your bags. It can go through the metal-detector archway thingy and, provided you remove any metal clips, it will not set off any alarms. The challenge comes if you are required to go through the human x-ray scanner (the big box in which you have to stand on the footmarks and hold your arms above your head). I have been advised by my healthcare team and pump manufacturer that the pump should not join you in this big box (some people say it is ok but i am not willing to test this theory). If you show your pump to the security team and explain, they should be ok. The way they handle it varies. Usually in the U.K., they ask you to remove the pump and will swab it as you stand with your hands in the air in the big box. If they offer to do this, they keep the pump within sight and give it back once you leave the big box. The other option (which they always do in the U.S.) is to pat you down so you do not have to wave your hands above your head. This may require some waiting around as there may not be a "patter-downer" of the appropriate gender around at the time.
I have never been asked for a doctor's letter. However, I always take one with me in case I need to show it to an over-zealous security person.
The only other thing I would mention is, if you are going away for a few nights, to make sure you have an alternative with you in case your pump fails whilst you are away. This may be the insulin bottle and a syringe, your old pens or some pump vendors may provide you with a loaner pump. And don't forget to bring a set change or two with you.

The only other thing to add, is that during taking off and landing you might want to disconnect as the pressure changes causes either air bubbles (going up) or pushes extra insulin through (landing) causing you to hypo. Not fun when fighting for your luggage!

Chas C · May 3, 2017

I fly long haul every three months or so with pump and CGM, never needed to disconnect my pump and other than 4 or more years ago in Berlin I've not had any issues with airports. Always leave plenty of time for security checks but have found that it runs pretty smooth with pat downs and swabs. Also never ever needed to show a doctors note since I was diagnosed in 1970 for my insulin, syringes, pens or pumps.

Enjoy your trip.

Medusa41 · May 3, 2017

Hi @ashwilliaams - The others have covered everything u think. Just pop in flight mode before take off. I flew out of Gatwick a few weeks ago & they didn't even ask to look at my pump (whereas they did swab it when I flew in Oct). Inbound was the same. Have a good trip.

Chas C · May 4, 2017

Chas C said:
Enjoy your trip.

Just to add I always leave BT connection between pump and handset and always leave the radio connection between my Dex transmitter and my Dex Receiver. I never have put these into any flight mode.

.gurley · May 5, 2017

ashwilliaams said:
Hi everyone,
I am going to be flying, only domestically in about a month, I have not flown since going on an insulin pump is there anything I should know? Will I need a doctors note etc?
TIA

I have flown all over the world, no issues other than security as mentioned! Advice already given correct. If you have a pump that receives blue tooth from your tester airlines advise to switch off the Bluetooth so as not to interfere with planes systems. However this is not a major problem as you can input your glucose reading manually. I have always managed on long trips to obtain another loan machine and since an up grade i now have a spare to take with me, supplies etc. remember to pack so you do not run out! Xrays etc. are a no no as mentioned. Good luck you should have no problems.

joanne75 · May 6, 2017

Hi what happens if u have the omnipod and cannot disconnect to go through security??

Chas C · May 9, 2017

joanne75 said:
Hi what happens if u have the omnipod and cannot disconnect to go through security??

You do not need to disconnect pump for security, they can swab it down.

You can walk through the metal detectors

The main issue is the full body scanners, the manufacturers state that pumps cannot go through these, so you'd need to refuse and ask for a manual check (noting that some people do ignore this and walk through these scanners with pumps - some of the newer scanners are claimed to be safer but I'm sure I would not take the risk).

CJOtter · May 17, 2017

I flew to Grenoble earlier this year. No problem on the way out but on the way back was asked for a letter which I didn't have! I showed them my prescription request which seemed to satisfy them but I'll get a letter next time I fly. I think it's because it's a small (tiny) provincial airport and France are still in emergency mode.

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