No admittance for Type 1 Diabetics at Heathrow

[old Welsh codger]

I fly long distance from Heathrow. In the last three years, security staff take every opportunity to humiliate type 1 diabetics. I have had to stop wearing my Dexcom G6 cgm at the airport because I am tired of being sent off to be searched. Now they use every opportunity to stop me from taking my insulin cool box. Even though I explain in advance, staff end up screaming at me.
Why don't they just be honest and put up a sign "No Admittance to Type 1 Diabetics"?

 

[EllieM]

Hi @old Welsh codger and welcome to the DCUK forums.

As a T1 relatively frequent flier (ATM I am visiting the UK every year as my dad is 94 and no longer able to travel from his UK home) and Heathrow is the airport I use. I think may be the full body scanners that are the issue. If you don't want to go through them (I think the g7s are probably OK but my pump definitely isn't) you have to accept a search. I've got used to this and make sure that I'm wearing shoes that are easy to take on and off. But the searches I get are pretty quick and not too invasive or disrespectful, so I'm OK to travel. But I guess as a 60 something white woman I don't set off any alarms in terms of bias against race, sex or age so maybe I get different treatment than others?

What sort of insulin cool bag do you have? Must admit I put mine through xray without issue (that I know if). (I use a frio bag and/or a mini insulated soft bag.)

 

[Speedbird]

I fly long distance from Heathrow. In the last three years, security staff take every opportunity to humiliate type 1 diabetics. I have had to stop wearing my Dexcom G6 cgm at the airport because I am tired of being sent off to be searched. Now they use every opportunity to stop me from taking my insulin cool box. Even though I explain in advance, staff end up screaming at me.
Why don't they just be honest and put up a sign "No Admittance to Type 1 Diabetics"?

I have to say, and I travel from T5 Heathrow a lot, I have never had a problem and just sail through. They might do a random check but I take that with good grace. I have my insulin pens in a cool bag and just take it through X-ray search as normal.
I would question and report anybody that screams at me. So far they have all been very polite.
I hope you have a better experience next time other wise report to the airport authority.

 

[EllieM]

I would question and report anybody that screams at me. So far they have all been very polite.
I hope you have a better experience next time other wise report to the airport authority.

I've got to agree with this.

 

[ElenaP]

If I fly, it will be from Heathrow, and I find that a disability lanyard helps me, in that I need to explain less. (I first read about the lanyard here.)
When walking to the check-in desk, the staff have even asked if I would like a wheelchair.
I always carry insulin (and other medication) in a separate bag inside my hand-luggage. Being patted down feels intrusive, and can be unpleasant, depending on a member of staff doing the patting. But I need to explain less.

Most banks have lanyards to give away; in my area Nationwide and Barclays. Or you can get one from the disability help desk at the airport. They are worn for all sorts of reasons, for all sorts of "disabilities". A friend of mine (who walks better and has more energy than me) does not even need to carry medication but wears a lanyard out of choice. The lanyard could indicate that someone has problems with hearing, etc. The point is that the staff will offer help when they spot it. I have my suitcase key dangling from it.

 

[Zinadane]

Must admit. I fly about 3 times year. Mainly BRS and BHX
I can't remember the last fime my T1d medication caused even a question.
I carry it all in one small case as compact as possible. Which is then inside my carry on bag.
I don't use cool bags, assuming room temperature will be ok for insulin that will be used within a few weeks.
A where my libre through the scanner, I never mention anything about me.
This time my bag went through twice, me thinking, omg here we go! only to be questioned about a gopro I was carrying

 

[old Welsh codger]

Many thanks for your reactions. I am in Singapore Changi Airport writing this. Once again my cool box for insulin was stopped at the scanner and I had to undergo a body search and the box was checked for illegal drugs. Security staff told me that ice is no longer allowed on passenger flights. Clearly, Type 1 diabetics are just not welcome anywhere.

 

[CheeseSeaker]

Might be worth changing your approach - you don't need a cool box for insulin (guidance changed - and to be honest before that I always used a Frio as easier to live with).

Storing and travelling with rapid-acting insulin

NHS medicines information on how to keep rapid-acting insulin safely at home, while you’re using it and when you’re travelling.

www.nhs.uk

 

[Tony337]

Hi
We fly to the canaries and back twice a year and have done for years and years.
We use manchester airport which has a shocking reputation at every level.

I have never had a single problem with diabetic medication but i did have an issue with a GF sausage roll which i wrapped in tin foil so guess what i did?
I ate the sausage roll.....security and several other witnesses saw the funny side....

Tony

 

[Fairygodmother]

Might be worth changing your approach - you don't need a cool box for insulin (guidance changed - and to be honest before that I always used a Frio as easier to live with).

Storing and travelling with rapid-acting insulin

NHS medicines information on how to keep rapid-acting insulin safely at home, while you’re using it and when you’re travelling.

www.nhs.uk

I think it’s better to go by actual experience of the insulin(s) used. I know for one that even tho I agree with this site’s advice to keep insulin in a cool bag while travelling, I don’t agree that the Fiasp I use can be kept out of a fridge when travelling in a hot country, or airport.
Coolbag, cool box: I do use an insulated backpack as carryon, and put a well-wrapped cool pack from the freezer bro the special compartment with extra layers of baffle between it and insulin.
The only thing that’s been questioned, once, is the cool pack. Security has been more interested in power packs and other electronic storage systems.