Can Diabetic Supplies Be Extra Luggage on Airline Flights?

Being a diabetic comes with some discomforts, but with the kind of technology that we have today diabetics can lead fairly normal lives. However, special occasions, like travelling can pose a few problems especially when it comes to our luggage. Diabetics may have to take a few travel supplies that other travellers may not, like ensuring that medications are on hand and ready in case of emergencies. Many a diabetic has wondered can diabetic supplies be extra luggage when travelling on an airline. This is an important question if the individual is prone to quick and unexpected fluctuations in blood glucose levels.

So can diabetic supplies be extra luggage on airline services?

The good news is, it is actually possible to pack your medical supplies in your carry-on luggage where you can easily have access to them. The cargo hold may actually be the worst place to put your diabetic supplies, no matter how short your plane trip is because it tends to get too warm during flight. Variations in temperature can damage your drugs and render them ineffective and even harmful. Simply put, taking your diabetic supplies in your carry-on luggage may actually be the smartest thing you can do.

If you are worried about all the explanation that you may need to make before you can board the plane, make sure that your medications are properly labelled with your name and your dosage. Keep your medications in a prescription box or clear plastic pouch along with a letter from your doctor explaining your condition and the reason why you are carrying those drugs. Make sure that you have extra supplies of your medications in case of emergencies as well as extra batteries for your glucometer.

Inform the airline in advance that you will be carrying syringes and lancets on board. Airport security will readily wave you through as long as you have the proper documentation from your doctor. Syringes are usually allowed through if you are able to show them that you are carrying or travelling with insulin as well. If you are wearing an insulin pump inform the airport security in advance and allow them to visually inspect it and request that the pump be not removed.

Another thing that will require an advanced notice is your in-flight diet. You must order a diabetic diet 2 days before the flight to avoid any glitches.

One of the most important things that you need to bring along is a travel folder which contains the documents explaining your medical condition so that in the event that you suffer from a sudden complication, people on board will know your condition and will be able to give you the best care possible.

Lastly, wear a medical bracelet. You might become incapacitated so make sure that your medical bracelet clearly states that you are a diabetic and contains other information that others may need to know. Also, if you are travelling to another country where English is not the primary language, wear a bracelet with information in the country’s language so that even non-English speaking locals can know that you are a diabetic.

So yes, by all means if you follow these suggestions you will find that you can bring diabetic supplies as extra luggage on airline flights. In fact, you can even bring diabetic travel supplies as hand luggage in the cabin with you.

  Back to Top