Continental Airline Tickets

What are the airline regulations for traveling with insulin and needles for diabetes?

I'm flying to Mexico next month

Public Comments

1. My father is a diabetic and has traveled with his insulin and needles in his carry-on with no problem. He's never been stopped or questioned. We just traveled a few weeks ago to the Bahamas.
2. I have diabetes and I have flown many times all of the world. It would be good to have a medic-alert card or necklace or something, in case somebody give you a problem (they wont). Another thing - pack extra/redundant insulin in several bags. You will be able to buy it in Mexico, but you might as well be extra careful.
3. Because it's used for a medical purpose, they allow it. There should be no problems. However, he'd probably experience less of a delay if he were to put it into his checked luggage.
4. I have never even been asked about my diabetes supplies which I always bring in my carry on. And you should definitely keep in your carry on. The last thing you need is the airlines losing your luggage and your insulin. Not to mention having a need for your supplies while on the plane. I agree that it doesn't hurt to have some sort of medical alert documentation (card, bracelet, necklace) in case you run into an ignorant security check employee. In my experience though they see so many people everyday that I'm sure you will not be the first diabetic.
5. Pack your supplies in a kit ensure you list the items.And get a note from your doctor. Ensure the sharps are capped and there are no unlabelled items in the kit. And you should have no problems with the airlines taking your supplies in your carry on luggage. Getting a medic alert bracelet or pendant is a very good idea.
6. I have flown with my diabetes supplies a few times in the last year and I have not had any problems. I was able to take my insulin, lancets, meter, infusion sets (I use a pump), extra syringes, lancet device, mini-sharp container, Glucagon kit and glucose gel through security with only a brief stop to show my Medic Alert ID and let them quickly check the bag that held all my supplies. I was even able to get an empty water bottle through (I told them I was going to fill it up at a water fountain). The one thing that struck me as funny as them making me disconnect my insulin pump and send it through the scanner. I guess they had never seen one before and didn't quite know what to make of this tubing sticking out of my abdomen. An airline CANNOT make you put your supplies into your checked baggage. You have the right to have immediate access to them and the right to keep them with you at all times. The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act AND the American Diabetes Association) gives us those rights. Keep all of your supplies in one small bag that can be separated from your carry-on bag. This makes it easier should it need to be searched. Make sure you have medical ID, that the prescription labels are on insulin and such and that you have a letter from your doctor. I have only travelled domestically, not to foreign countries. You might want to contact the American Consulant in Mexico to see if there is anything special you need to do. Have a nice trip! EMT
7. I have not left the country with insulin just with in the us. But I do carry all my insulin in their org. packing with my rx info and name on it and a doctors note and have never had any trouble and I always take twice the amout of needles and they never question it. I have taken a box of 100 for a week trip to vegas once -no trouble they didn't even look at the note or insulin bottles. Before or after the 9/11 flight security changes.