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Flying With Diabetes

The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) specifically permits prescription liquid medications and other liquids needed by persons with disabilities and medical conditions, above and beyond the limitations on other liquids. However, not all TSA screeners are aware of the rules.

Travelers with diabetes should print and carry the following documents from the TSA web site:

• Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Conditions
• Changes in Allowances for Persons with Disabilities at Airport Security Checkpoints

The second document specifically mentions "liquids (to include water, juice, or liquid nutrition) or gels for passengers with a disability or medical condition." If you use juice to treat hypoglycemia, highlight this line in yellow and show it to the TSA supervisor on site if you are questioned about carrying on juice.

Note also that supporting documentation from a doctor, while recommended, is not required. Note also that there is a telephone number on the document to call in case of problems -- 1-866-289-9673 or 1-877-336-4872. If you are hassled at security, ask for the TSA supervisor on site and call these numbers.

The Transportation Safety Administration offers the following advide for persons with diabetes who will be traveling by air:

• Notify the screener that you have diabetes and are carrying your supplies with you.
• Make sure insulin (vials or outer box of individual doses), jet injectors, pens, infusers, and preloaded syringes are marked properly (professionally printed label identifying the medication or manufacturer's name or pharmaceutical label)
• There is no limitation on the number of empty syringes that you will be allowed to carry through the security checkpoint; however you must have insulin with you in order to carry empty syringes through the checkpoint.
• Lancets, blood glucose meters, blood glucose test strips can be carried through the security checkpoint.
• Notify screeners if you're wearing an insulin pump and ask if they will visually inspect the pump since it cannot be removed from your person.
• Insulin pumps and supplies must be accompanied by insulin with professionally printed labels described above.
• If possible, advise screeners when/if you are experiencing low blood sugar and are in need of medical assistance.

In the event that you encounter problems boarding a flight, you should contact the FAA Grounds Security Commissioner at the airport for assistance. You should not pack diabetes supplies in checked baggage, because the cargo hold temperatures can vary greatly and because you may need the supplies during the flight.

Since many airlines have cut back on food service, it's a good idea to carry emergency food in case you or your child experience hypoglycemia. Carrying a small water bottle is a good idea too.

For More Information

• Transportation Safety Administration
• Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Conditions
• Travelers with Disabilities & Medical Conditions - Before You Go
• Traveling with Children
• TSA Travel Tips (PDF)
• Ask the Diabetes Team Questions About Travel
• New Airport TSA Screening and Insulin Pumps.
• Flying With Diabetes (Clinical Diabetes 21:86, 2003)
• Have Insulin, Will Fly: Diabetes Management During Air Travel and Time Zone Adjustment Strategies (Clinical Diabetes 21:82-85, 2003)
• Traveling with diabetes supplies by the ADA
• When You Travel by the ADA
• On the Go - Youth Zone from the ADA offers advice for kids on traveling with diabetes

September 28, 2001
Updated February 20, 2009

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Last Updated: Monday November 22, 2010 13:15:52
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