Heading to the airport can be a headache for everyone.
For people with diabetes, getting through airport security with medications, insulin monitors and pumps and other supplies can be a special kind of pain, especially during busy holiday travel seasons.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has special guidelines for travelers with medical conditions and disabilities. They recommend calling the TSA Cares hotline at (855) 787-2227 at least 72 hours before traveling with any questions. This should allow you to make sure you and your medications get through security safely. The hotline is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. ““ 11 p.m. Eastern Time and weekends and holidays 9 a.m. ““ 8 p.m. Eastern Time.
It’s not necessary to have medical documentation, but it can speed up the process if you have a letter from your healthcare provider about special medical needs, devices or supplies. You can also print out a copy of a Disability Notification Card for air travelers at www.tsa.gov.
Here are their guidelines for travelers with diabetes:
- Your medications can come through security.
Medications and supplies, including liquids and gels, are allowed through security after they’ve been properly screened by X-ray or hand inspection. When you enter the security line, let TSA personnel know you have the supplies and medications and separate them from other items. - But you might need extra screening.
Liquid, aerosol or gel medications in containers larger than 3.4 ounces will receive extra screenings. If you don’t want them to be X-rayed, notify the TSA staffer before screening begins. He or she won’t touch the material itself, but you and your belongings may have to undergo additional screening, including a patdown. - Freezer packs are okay.
These packs and other items needed to keep your medications cold are allowed, but they have to be screened. If the freezer packs are slushy or only partially frozen, they’ll be treated as liquids and sent through the X-ray machine. - No need to disconnect your pump.
Travelers who use insulin pumps don’t have to disconnect the pump during screening. Just let the TSA staffer know it’s there before the screening starts. The screening process may include l imaging technology, x-ray or pat down, and the pump itself will also be inspected, usually by having the traveler pat down the pump device. Inspectors will check the pump user’s hands for trace evidence of explosive residue.
Check www.tsa.gov for more guidelines impacting travelers who have difficulty walking or standing for long periods of time, use wheelchairs or scooters, have prosthetics or can’t remove their shoes.
