Airport Security | Dr. Sam

Visual inspection

Have all your supplies clearly labeled. You are entitled to ask for a visual inspection of your supplies to avoid x-ray.

Ask to repack and otherwise handle your own medication and supplies to avoid contamination or damage.

If the visual inspection fails, for one reason or another, then your medication or supplies must be x-rayed.

Bringing supplies on the plane

Tell the screener you have diabetes and are carrying these supplies:

Insulin and insulin-dispensing products clearly labeled
Unused syringes when accompanied by insulin or other injectable medication
Lancets, blood glucose meters, test strips, alcohol swabs, meter-testing solutions
Insulin pump and insulin pump supplies
Glucagon emergency kit clearly identified and labeled
Urine ketone test strips
Unlimited number of used syringes when transported in Sharps disposal container or other similar hard-surface container

These supplies will be allowed onboard once they have been screened.

Wearing a pump aboard the plane

When going through airport security, consider asking for a visual inspection of your pump (and a possible pat down) in order to avoid walking through the metal detector and being "wanded."

Explain to the screen that you cannot remove the pump and why.

Problems?

If you need help during the screening process, ask for a screener supervisor.

You may also contact the TSA Contact Center to report unfair treatment or to obtain additional information by calling toll-free
1-866-289-9673.

Additional tips

The ADA recommends you:

Take twice the amount of medication and supplies that you need on your trip
Pack a quick-acting source of glucose to treat low blood sugar
Bring a snack such as a nutrition bar
Carry or wear medical identification
Carry contact information for your doctor
Have contact information for a health care professional available at your destination
Be prepared to adjust medication when traveling in different time zones