my first post here and my first time flying since 1990. I been reading everything i can get my hands on about this medication issue.
My husband is insulin dependent and uses insulin, syringes, meters and test strips. His insulin needs to be kept cool. We do not use a prescription because it is over the counter insulin. We just go to walmart and get his insulin from the pharmasist here in Georgia.

My question is should we go to his doctor and get a letter telling the airport people he needs his insulin? All the bottles are clearly marked with original name or insulin. I believe it is called Novolin 70/30.
He also uses and inhaler that we do have a prescription for. Do i bring the inhaler and the extra prescripton to prove this?

If this post is in the wrong section, please forgive me... i was just so glad to find this place where people actually talk about flying.. thanks

Welcome.

30+ year Type 1 here. Don't worry about keeping the insulin cool - it will be just fine for the duration of the flight. The insulin vials, syringes, meter, and test strips will not (should not) draw any attention either. I never had trouble with mine, though I'm on a pump now.

The doctor letter MIGHT be useful in the event that a TSA half-wit decides that the insulin works is a security risk, but in all honesty the likelihood of that is most slim.

I assume the vials are in less than 3oz containers. If they are not, you will likely need a doctors note to explain why you are taking in liquids larger than 3oz. Yes, they are permitted by TSA regs but we all know that the line workers are often oblivious and useless. Just stick the liquids into your baggie and you'll be fine. The strips, syringes, meter, etc. are all no problem.

Just be 100% sure to NOT CHECK your medication! And if you must gate check your carry-on luggage, be sure to take the medication out and onto the plane with you. You'd be amazed how people don't think of this and then are up the creek if their bags are lost.

we are only taking a carry-on with enough clothes for the 2 of us. it is small enough to be okay for the inches they want for it to go into a compartment. so we will have his medicene going on the plane with us.
I cannot believe how much has changed in 20 years since my last flight.

He also has blood pressure medicenes and asprin he needs to take but the blood pressure meds do have prescription information on the bottle and with his name. I do think we will go ahead and get the letter just to hopefully skip any issues with the airport people.

We are just taking very few clothes, his electric razor and medicenes in the carry-on. Thats it. When we get to the hotel we will buy toiletries and then throw them away before coming home. I cannot believe how much goes into making sure all sizes are small enough or that all personal care items have to have entire life histories attached to it.
My main concern was for his insulin. I can handle going without most anything but that.

Still, be prepared for the chance that you won't be able to carry on a nominally "carry-on" bag that meets all the requirements. There are many reasons for this, including the fact that some aircraft types have very small overhead bins and the possibility that the bins may be full by the time you board. In that case, the cabin crew will "gate check" your bag: they'll put a special tag on it and you'll pick it up as you get off the plane, not at baggage claim. This is normally a straightforward process, but nothing is 100 percent foolproof. Have the meds ready to take out if this happens. By themselves, you can really carry them on.

And, welcome to FT!

oh wow... okay. we did not know about this either. ty all so much for this information me and my husband greatly appreciate it.
There is so much to learn about all this... ty

my wife is type 1 with a pump. the tsa people usually know what the pump is. they are pretty understanding of saying, "i am diabetic". They read the labels of the extra insulin and are fine with it.

the occassional dumbass TSA will attempt to be difficult and all you have to say is, "i will die without that medicine for the duration of my trip without insulin. If I have to speak to someone senior to explain my situation, could you help me talk to that person."

It has happened once where the TSA person refused to acknowledge that the pump was a necesity. That was what we said and that TSA person brought over a different person who knew what a pump was immediately.

you don't have to be a jerk about it, but you do have to be insistant that it is crucial to your well being.

While all the posts are helpful, you'll likely get a complete, current run down at a major website for diabetes. While it is a complication, traveling with special meds isn't that unusual, and the disease sites I've seen make it their job to get good info and keep it current.

Also, I would check with the drug manufacturer on how long the meds can be at room (plane) temperature. I don't know about your medication, for some, even a short period of time is risky.

I have Type 2 diabetes and travel with Byetta, an injectable, that I keep cool with a Rubbermaid blue ice thing I got at REI. I put the syringe in a quart size baggie that, in turn, goes into a gallon baggie that contains the blue ice thing. (The baggie also contains the label from the Byetta but no one has ever wanted to see it.) I have a separate baggie (1 quart) for the needles and swabs. I also have pill meds in seven-day containers.
All of this I carry in my computer case that I ALWAYS keep with me ie NO gate check.
All of my interactions with TSA with this arrangement have been positive; the gallon bag comes out and goes through the machine and is recognized as separate from my shaving cream, toothpaste, and mouthwash which goes in my carry-on.
Enjoy your travels!

i called airtran and the man was really nice. he said use dry ice BUT i read in my internet adventure that that is not a good idea. that it would need pilot approval.. unreal... So we will go to walmart and look at rubbermaid ice things.
I just know the gel aspect may cause a stir.. just thanks to all for helping us... we are scared to fly anyways but making sure about all this other stuff really seems overboard.
I cannot imagine what it is like for everyday people who fly all the time..

Before I had the pump, I used to carry a letter from my doctor because of the syringes just to be on the safe side. Other than that, no problems at all. I travel all the time with extra insulin with no need for cooling.

Dry ice is considered a hazardous material on an airplane because it displaces oxygen. The total quantity of dry ice on board must be limited and measures must be taken to ensure continuous ventilation when it is present.

wow... well i wont even think about using it, like i said. dry ice was a recommendation, not a must. and i now know my husband's insulin does not need to be cooled. so i am comfortable with this outcome...
we use dry ice all the time here... tempatures reach well over 100 degree's. In a small room i even feel safe with dry ice... Honestly. i dont touch it, but it never took my breath away.

Here is the reference to the Rubbermaid Ice Blanket I use.
I cut it to fit the baggie.

I've been type 1 for 34 years. The only time I've had a problem is when I was flying BMI from Dublin to Heathrow in 2007:

Security agent - "Do you have anything sharp in your carry-on?"

Me - "Yes - insulin pens."

At that point, I was whisked to the side. Another security agent was called over and he asked if I had a doctor's letter. When I responded that I didn't, I was marched out of security back to the British Midland customer service counter. The security guy asked the manager if it was OK that I was carrying insulin in my carry-on without a doctor's letter. She adamantly said no and that I had to check my insulin. I protested and even gave myself an injection in front of them. Nothing. I then proceeded to pretend to put my insulin pens into another bag and check it. I went through security again. When I was asked if I had anything sharp in my carry-on I said no. Sailed through security with no problem.

Returning home, I went to my doctor to get a letter. I always carry the letter, but I never admit to having anything sharp in my carry-on. I am AC Elite - I travel a lot - I've never been stopped except that one time in Dublin when I owned up. Lesson learned - carry a doctor's letter and don't let them know you have diabetic supplies.

As for keeping insulin cool - it will keep at room temperature for a month or more. No need to keep it cold on a flight. That's a myth.