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Travelling to and from the United States
The American Diabetes Association is proud to provide the following travel tips developed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in conjunction with our assistance. These tips will help ensure the safety and convenience of travelers with diabetes, while also keeping the traveling community as a whole safe and on-time.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is charged with safeguarding the nation's transportation systems, including commercial airline travel. Due to stepped-up airport security measures on August 10, 2006 concerning liquids, the American Diabetes Association is providing the following information.
Please note that TSA specifically states that insulin will still be permitted aboard airplanes. The general guidelines for traveling with diabetes supplies are all still in effect.
Please Note:
- There has been no change in protocol for airline passengers with diabetes who are traveling with insulin pumps. Pump wearers may request a visual inspection rather than walking through the metal detector or being hand-wanded.
- TSA recommends that passengers with diabetes bring a prescription label for insulin, Symlin, Byetta and other diabetes medications, when boarding their flight. The name on the prescription label should match the name of the passenger. Having this prescription label will expedite the security check-in process. This is currently a recommendation of TSA; it is not a requirement.
- For passengers with diabetes, TSA does allow glucose gel, cakemate, and 8 oz. of liquid to treat low blood sugar.
- Under normal conditions, insulin can safely pass through X-ray machines at airport terminals. If the insulin remains in the path of the X-ray longer than normal, or if it is repeatedly exposed to X-rays, be careful. This can affect the stability of your insulin. If you have concerns about X-rays, you can request hand-inspection. Also, insulin never should be placed in checked baggage. Passenger baggage stored in cargo holds is subject to powerful X-rays. It also could be affected by severe changes in pressure and temperature. Inspect your insulin before injecting each dose. If you notice anything unusual about the appearance of your insulin or you notice that your insulin needs are changing, call your doctor.
Published on this website on Fri, 18 Aug 2006