Carry-on question - insulin
 

HI!
I have a quick question that I was hoping that someone could answer for me.
My husband is diabetic and takes insulin. (just added insulin about a year ago as the pills he was on for most of his life are no longer effective)
This will be the first time that he has flown since starting insulin. We have a small soft-sided case (basically a small lunchbox) that he carries his insulin in along with an ice pack to keep it cold (since it has to stay refrigerated)
We are flying Delta for an upcoming trip and we wondered if they would consider his bag for his medication as his 1 carry-on? He also has a laptop bag that he carries his computer in, so we weren't sure how they would treat this. Or if it's medication (which he has to bring on board since he can't pack it) does that not count as a part of your carry-on total.

Any ideas?

~D

Nope they won't consider it carry on. My mom flies with her insulin kit and apac machine all the time and they never counted towards her free carry on.

If they didn't let him on with it, the PR ****storm that would ensue would rival the UA assault.

Should be fine and TSA (and security in most countries) shouldn't have any problems with anyone taking prescriptions with them - liquid limits, sharp objects and other regulations be damned! That being said, the amount of prescription medicine you take should be reasonable (i.e. not carrying a years supply or something way more than a diabetic would ordinary carry for their trip).

If you are given any hassle for it I'd ask for a doctor to come on the plane and explain to them how insulin isn't considered an "optional" item for a diabetic.

Safe Travels,

James

My dad carries a letter from his doctor with the supplies, never has had a problem at security with the liquids or juice to treat a low blood sugar. Just make sure any liquids you bring are sealed and be prepared for your bag to face additional screening and having it swabbed.

I've carried ice packs and needles before plenty of times and never had a problem. First time I did it, I asked TSA ahead of time if it would be a problem and they said they "may be subject to extra screening" but some 50 odd flights later, no one had looked at them funny - TSA or Delta.

These cases are much easier to travel with than ice. They work on an evaporative basis and are very effective.
I don't use regular insulin, but I do use Lantus and another diabetic injectable and have used a case by this company for over ten years

I've been carrying insulin on planes since 1993 with never an issue. I'm not a physician, but was told by both my endocrinologist and a pharmacist friend that insulin doesn't technically need to be kept refrigerated full time. In face it comes in from medical distributors without any refrigeration. It probably can be ok, according to those sources mentioned above, for up to two weeks. After that it can lose some of its potency but comes back when you refrigerate it.

The Official DELTA Policy

Medical Supplies and EquipmentMedical Supplies & Equipment

Medical supplies or equipment are allowed on board as additional items at no extra charge. Some medical items can be carried on the plane, as an "additional carry-on item", as long as they meet the standard size and weight limits. If your supplies/equipment are included in a larger bag that contains other non-essential items, that bag will not be considered a free item, and will be subject to normal baggage fees.

..

Needles/Syringes

Needles and syringes are permitted in carry-on baggage as long as they are accompanied with medication that have a professionally printed label identifying the medication, manufacturer’s name and/or pharmaceutical label.

TSA has similar screening OK including fully or partially frozen Ice Packs.