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Going on holiday

Helen_S-C

Active Member
Messages
26
Location
Stockton-on-Tees, UK
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Dislikes
Mood swings
Hi, I am going to Spain at the weekend and it's my first trip since T1 diagnosis in January 2016. I think I have all my meds sorted but I wondered if I need a letter for the airport as I haven't got one! Also any tips greatly appreciated as I am struggling to keep my numbers down at the moment.

Helen
 
Helen
I went to Cyprus in April, my consultant wrote me a letter stating I was Insulin dependant but I was not asked to produce it at the airport. Your GP should be able to produce a letter for you. Carry your insulin in your carry on bag as putting it in the hold baggage will spoil the insulin due to the low temperature in the hold. I also bought a frio cooling bag for my spare insulin this kept it cool enough I then transferred it to the fridge in the hotel once I got there. Their website is www.friouk.com.
Del
 
Great thank you Del, I have a frio bag that I bought when I booked the holiday so that's sorted. Did they question your carrying insulin or needles at all?
 
Hi Helen, have taken a few flights now since being diagnosed, I also got my GP to write me a letter but have never been asked for it, I think they see a few passengers with the same so understand, I was quite nervous too as was unsure what they would say but no one said anything so feel alot more relaxed now travelling through the airport with my gear
 

May be a bit late now to get a Dr's letter, if it is just take along a copy of your repeat prescription as prove that you use all the meds in your luggage.

As for tips, I quite like the following article from the JDRF which covers the basics when travelling abroad:

https://jdrf.org.uk/living-with-type-1/everyday-life/travelling/

Have a great time
 
You might be able to get a doctor's letter. You do have to pay for it though. My experience traveling within our beloved EU ....., is that security don't ask, partly because they have so many passengers to process. I tell them though and having the letter does give me peace of mind.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I have a letter. I keep it in a wallet with my passport, etc, and always mention I have Type 1 and am carrying insulin and sharps with me as soon as I check in. I then mention it again at security and have the letter ready in my hand. I also take a copy of my prescription.

Enjoy your holiday!
 
Hi @Helen_S-C - Yes you do need a letter for airport security. Your DSN will probably do you one for free. The GP can charge £30 for one! Have a great holiday
 
I have flow
Medusa41 said:
Hi @Helen_S-C - Yes you do need a letter for airport security. Your DSN will probably do you one for free. The GP can charge £30 for one! Have a great holiday
Click to expand...

I have flown a few times since summer 2015 within the EU including Spain a month ago and I reiterate, I wasn't asked for the letter. I simply told security I was diabetic and carrying medication and sharps.
 
Being a pilot, I'm forever flying.

I have a letter in with my pilot's licence. First time I went through security I explained my situation to which I got 'no bother at all' and every other time I've kept quiet unless the metal detector beeps. It's only beeped for my shoes once and rest random. I got asked on a random search 'can I ask what's in your pocket?' and I mentioned my pump to which they said it was fine. I have my medication in a plastic toiletries bag. No issues!
 
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