Air travel and insulin
People with diabetes can still take insulin with them onto aircraft despite new security restrictions. A letter from your doctor explaining your need to carry syringes/injection devices and insulin should be presented to the airline staff, and if you do encounter any problems you should request to speak to a manager or senior member of staff.
If you are visiting your GP specifically for a letter you may be charged for the visit. A letter may also be obtained from you diabetes clinic which you are attending free of charge.
Airlines restrictions in emergency situations about what items can be brought onto their aircraft in hand luggage. This leads to concern about traveling with insulin and a number of people have been advised that they must put spare insulin in baggage in the aircraft's hold. Our advice based on information from insulin manufacturers has always been to avoid storing insulin in baggage which goes into the hold, as traveling at altitude may cause the baggage to freeze, which would damage the insulin. We have spoken to an insulin manufacturer and they have advised, in emergency situations, to place insulin that has to go in the hold, in an airtight container (such as a flask) in the middle of your suitcase. Alternatively, if an airtight container isn't available, wrap in bubble wrap, then in a towel and again place in the middle of your suitcase.On arrival you must examine the insulin for crystals and discard the insulin if any are found. Even if it looks ok, you should test your blood glucose levels more frequently and if they appear abnormal, discard the insulin as it may be damaged and ineffective.
On some airlines, once on board the plane, cabin crew may request that medication be handed over for storage during the flight. For this reason it may be advisable to put insulin and syringes/needles in a separate carrier bag.
**Those traveling may wish to contact their airline in advance for the most up-to-date information on this issue.
APP/KOL/AC 01/06/2007