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Traveling with Type 1
May. 26th, 2018 05:03 pmIn a Facebook group for women with Type 1 I’m part of, I’ve seen posts asking how going through airport security works with devices like an insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor (CGM). I do not have a CGM, so I cannot speak to that, but I have traveled with an insulin pump several times.
How Do I Travel Through Security?
My glucose monitor can go through the x-ray machine with my other belongings in a bin. I usually don’t even take it out of my purse. I’ve put my insulin in the same bag as my other liquids. Sometimes the TSA agent will ask to see it, sometimes not. Once I’m through the security checkpoint, the insulin goes into an insulated bag with an ice pack so it stays cool.
Before walking through the security checkpoint, I make sure to tell the TSA agent I have an insulin pump. Pumps are not supposed to go through the x-ray machine. I’ve been taken to the side and given a full pat-down. Most often, I’ll go through the body scanner (okay for pumps), and the TSA agent will ask me to take out my pump, pat it with both hands, and then they’ll swab my hands for residue. That’s it! I’m on my way! I find this is a much easier, more efficient, and more comfortable process than being patted down. I make sure to wear clothing with pockets when I travel so I can easily and comfortably access my pump for this process.
Packing Tips
I always, always carry all of my Diabetes supplies with me in my carry-on luggage. Nothing would be worse than getting to my destination, discovering my luggage has been lost, and being without Diabetes supplies!
As mentioned above, I carry an insulated bag with an ice pack to keep my insulin cold. I often also have juice boxes in this bag for lows. Freo bags are designed specifically for insulin pens and viles of insulin to keep them cold for longer than an ice pack, but I find the ice pack works fine for what I need and have never felt the need to spend money on a Freo bag. I stuff my purse or other luggage with granola bars, glucose tablets, and other snacks to treat low blood sugar.
I pack a plastic resealable bag with insulin pump supplies, test strips, and alcohol swabs. This makes me feel more organized because all of my Diabetes supplies are in one place. I always pack one or two extra pump sites than I think I’ll need, just in case one malfunctions. It’s always better to have too many supplies than not enough!
Diabetes doesn’t make traveling easier, but it is doable.
How Do I Travel Through Security?
My glucose monitor can go through the x-ray machine with my other belongings in a bin. I usually don’t even take it out of my purse. I’ve put my insulin in the same bag as my other liquids. Sometimes the TSA agent will ask to see it, sometimes not. Once I’m through the security checkpoint, the insulin goes into an insulated bag with an ice pack so it stays cool.
Before walking through the security checkpoint, I make sure to tell the TSA agent I have an insulin pump. Pumps are not supposed to go through the x-ray machine. I’ve been taken to the side and given a full pat-down. Most often, I’ll go through the body scanner (okay for pumps), and the TSA agent will ask me to take out my pump, pat it with both hands, and then they’ll swab my hands for residue. That’s it! I’m on my way! I find this is a much easier, more efficient, and more comfortable process than being patted down. I make sure to wear clothing with pockets when I travel so I can easily and comfortably access my pump for this process.
Packing Tips
I always, always carry all of my Diabetes supplies with me in my carry-on luggage. Nothing would be worse than getting to my destination, discovering my luggage has been lost, and being without Diabetes supplies!
As mentioned above, I carry an insulated bag with an ice pack to keep my insulin cold. I often also have juice boxes in this bag for lows. Freo bags are designed specifically for insulin pens and viles of insulin to keep them cold for longer than an ice pack, but I find the ice pack works fine for what I need and have never felt the need to spend money on a Freo bag. I stuff my purse or other luggage with granola bars, glucose tablets, and other snacks to treat low blood sugar.
I pack a plastic resealable bag with insulin pump supplies, test strips, and alcohol swabs. This makes me feel more organized because all of my Diabetes supplies are in one place. I always pack one or two extra pump sites than I think I’ll need, just in case one malfunctions. It’s always better to have too many supplies than not enough!
Diabetes doesn’t make traveling easier, but it is doable.
