Air travel

Traveling by air requires some extra planning if you have diabetes. Here are some tips to help you have a smooth flight.

• Drink plenty of liquids before and during air travel. Drink one cup of a nonalcoholic liquid for each hour you are in the air. Bottled water is a good option, especially if drinks will not be served on your flight.
• Ensure all forms of insulin (bottles, pens, pumps and jet injectors) have a professionally printed label that identifies the medication or manufacturer's name or pharmaceutical label.
• If you are boarding a plane with syringes, they must be carried with your insulin.
• Keep your lancets capped, and always carry them with your meter. Be sure the manufacturer's name is printed on the meter.
• Notify security screeners that you have diabetes supplies with you.
• Arrive at the airport earlier than the airline recommends. Plan for additional check-in time, because you may be asked to show prescriptions or documentation related to your diabetes medications and supplies.
• Regulations and rules may be different for international travelers. Contact your airline for their regulations about traveling abroad with diabetes supplies.

If for some reason you are not allowed to board a plane due to diabetes-related security measures, contact the airline's complaints resolution official (CRO) at the airport.

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