Travelling by plane with an insulin pump

Hello.

I wondered if anyone has any advice on travelling by plane with an insulin pump. I've been on a plane as a person with diabetes and always get really scared at the security check and hand luggage scanner. But I haven't been on a plane since being on a pump (3 years).

My diabetes nurse says the pump must not pass through the X-ray scanner but I have checked with the pump manufacturer and the info says that it can, provided that the battery has been removed.

So I wondered if anyone with experience could fill me in on what is likely to happen at that point. Also if anyone has tips on flying that would be good to. I read in a blog that someone recommended disconnecting the pump for take off and landing because it can give more insulin than you expect due to the pressure change.

Thanks

Jenny,

I'll be trying it for the first time (after having the pump for 3 months) later this month. The advice I've received is solely about getting through security and amounts to turning up with plenty of time (3 hours recommended!!) and having a letter from your doctor saying that you're using a pump.

I guess there are two other factors that will come into play: the type of pump you're using and the destination you're travelling to. In my case I have a patch pump, so can't remove it prior to the security check, although the PDM (controller) will go through the scanner along with my phone, tablet etc. Remember that you must be able to power on any electrical device to prove it's not be tampered with, so taking the battery out sounds odd. \

I would imagine that for most non third world countries where pump usage is increasing that the security staff will be used to it. This will be especially true for the US where most type 1's seem to have a pump. I'll be able to confirm that, after my trip there in 2 weeks. Elsewhere in the world it may be more of a challenge, but if you have problems my advice would always be to ask for the supervisor and explain the situation. They will be able to override any difficulties you may have had with the front line staff.

I've not heard of any problems with pressure changes. The manuals with mine certainly don't say that it's necessary to turn it off at take-off.

Good luck.

Thanks.

It was this blog where I read about the pressure change thing:

http://asweetlife.org/feature/what-you-should-know-about-flying-with-an-insulin-pump/

I don't know how reliable it is.

Hope your trip goes well.

Hi,

I have travelled multiple times with the pump.

I usually pack everything I could possibly need for the entire trip in my carryon luggage: second pump (we can borrow a "travel" pump from the manufacturers) and a second meter included (never needed either). Always carry a spare battery...have needed that!I I always only carry the diabetes stuff as carryon. Makes things easier if they do decided to go through it. Handbags with the usual stuff and a small bag with the diabetes stuff. Also have all the paperwork (Drs letter to verify what I need, this includes a complete list of everything). Carry insulin in a Frio pack but I have been warned not to activate the gel until I am through the security check as the wallet contains more than 100mL of "liquid". I now do this routinely as I would hate to have to jettison the pack at that point.

The checkin at departure usually wants a fair description of the contents of the bag but is usually happy with just the paperwork. The security check is much more thorough. I have been asked to take the pump off and let them examine it, (I never disconnect it) and I tell them it is fine to go through the walk through but not the grand, bag examining X-ray. Occasionally I have also been "wanded" all over. Once I was asked to take the battery out and the cartridge to prove there were no drugs inside...but that was once (Singapore) and I refused and a superior came, assessed the situation and waved me through.

When booking I always ask for an aisle seat with the aisle on my right side...this is the hip I then wear my pump on. Once had a passenger sitting next to me who could not leave my tubing alone...kept tugging on it! Very disconcerting. I always insist that my bag with the diabetes stuff be in the locker immediately above my head. Some airlines will attempt to move a small bag if they think they can jam more luggage into the overhead lockers. When quizzed I tell them I may need it mid flight and I need to be able to access it immediately (bit of an exaggeration but there you go).

I certainly watch the BGs but have never had an incident with the pressure although I am aware of the possibility. Regularly cross the equator where the turbulence can be bad but still no effect that I have noticed. As I tend to get nervous when flying I probably run higher than normal anyway.

I know someone who has a "pump holiday" when ever she travels overseas and goes back to MDIs. She says she feels more in control and does not then have to cope with time changes, long sleep ins etc when away. Once, I changed the time but as I was not using 24 hour times ended up with evening basals in the morning etc etc...I now run it all the time on 24 hour time.

Have a great trip. Helen

Thank you.

Update from my trip to US last month wearing a patch pump (Omnipod) is that the patch wasn't detected by the standard security monitors either in Heathrow or Atlanta. I'd imagine that the same wouldn't be true of the newer whole body scanners, but will have to wait for another trip to see what happens then.

I guess this could be another advantage for the Omnipod over a traditional pump for anyone travelling regularly.