Carry-on question - insulin
Jun 6, 2018, 12:45 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 32
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
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
Jun 6, 2018, 2:11 pm
#5
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 3,359
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
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
Jun 6, 2018, 3:21 pm
#6
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: PSC
Programs: Hilton Diamond/IHG Platinum/DL Plutononium
Posts: 1,728
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.
Jun 6, 2018, 5:28 pm
#7
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Atlanta, GA
Programs: DL PM, Hilton Gold
Posts: 121
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.
Jun 6, 2018, 9:00 pm
#8
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Rochester, NY USA
Programs: Hilton - Diamond, IHG - Platinum
Posts: 1,423
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 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
Jun 6, 2018, 9:10 pm
#9
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 5,175
I have done this many times. TSA didn’t like unfrozen ice packs I had on one trip but I always carry a Dr’s letter and have never had a problem. T1D is quite common and the airlines and TSA and even Customs are quite understanding. By the way I often buy 6-12 months supply in Canada at a fraction of the cost and I always declare it with no problems.
Jun 6, 2018, 9:39 pm
#10
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Any of the Following PDX SFO IAH YUL HPN CDG SYD WLG AKL
Programs: AA GLD 1MM, DL DM, UA 1K Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond, IHG Spire Ambassador , Hyatt Platinum
Posts: 464
As a Type 1 diabetic with a couple million miles travel in the last 15 years I have never had a problem traveling with insulin along with both a personal item and carryon.
My interpretation has always been analogous to a pair of crutches. Except crutches don’t disintegrate above or below a narrow temperature range and cost $700 to replace.
one recommendation is understand the temperature range of your ice packs as most are well below freezing, Arctic Ice Alaskan Series keeps the temperature at 33.6F in your cooler.
Regarding TSA you’ll want to make sure the freezer pack is frozen I.e not a liquid or gel, should it be melted it will be at the TSA’s discretion
My interpretation has always been analogous to a pair of crutches. Except crutches don’t disintegrate above or below a narrow temperature range and cost $700 to replace.
one recommendation is understand the temperature range of your ice packs as most are well below freezing, Arctic Ice Alaskan Series keeps the temperature at 33.6F in your cooler.
Regarding TSA you’ll want to make sure the freezer pack is frozen I.e not a liquid or gel, should it be melted it will be at the TSA’s discretion
Last edited by kiwicanuck; Jun 6, 2018 at 9:41 pm Reason: Correction.
Jun 6, 2018, 9:45 pm
#11
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Any of the Following PDX SFO IAH YUL HPN CDG SYD WLG AKL
Programs: AA GLD 1MM, DL DM, UA 1K Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond, IHG Spire Ambassador , Hyatt Platinum
Posts: 464
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
https://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&ke...l_2fggn79hso_e
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
https://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&ke...l_2fggn79hso_e
That being said they were integral to being able to still go backpack RTW for a year 2 months after being first diagnosed
Jun 7, 2018, 9:18 am
#12
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Just relocated to Phoenix, so I guess that does it for Delta for me
Programs: DL "Annual" GM 2MM, AA lifetime Gold 1MM, Hilton Gold, Hertz President's Club
Posts: 337
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.
Jun 7, 2018, 9:48 am
#13
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: NYC, MSY
Programs: DL DM, 1.5MM, NEXUS, Sky Club Lifetime, Admirals Club Lifetime, LowValueCustomer everywhere
Posts: 6,447
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.
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.
Jun 7, 2018, 10:42 pm
#14
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: NY Metro Area
Programs: AA 2MM Yay!, UA MM, Costco General Member
Posts: 49,025
I used to have to carry two injectables, insulin and another but I’m not currently taking either. My insulin wasn’t iced but the other one was. I never had a problem with either. I still carry Epi Pens and again no problem. A note from the doctor is a good backup but I never had to use it. Mine are on his script pad. The notes are simple, like “GadgetFreak is a patient of mine. He is diabetic and must carry insulin and associated materials with him” and a signature.
Jun 8, 2018, 10:28 am
#15
Join Date: Nov 2010
Programs: HH, Asiana club, Elevated, Skymiles, Fairmont President's Club
Posts: 42
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
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
safe travels