No admittance for Type 1 Diabetics at Heathrow

old Welsh codger said:

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"?

Click to expand...

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.

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.

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

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).

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

CheeseSeaker said:

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

Click to expand...

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.