Going through airport security with diabetes
With all that is going on with COVID 19 at the moment, a lot of us have to rethink how to go through the airport when necessary. Traveling can be stressful, especially with diabetes.
In this article I tell you to step by step how to stay safe and stress-free when traveling by plane with diabetes in 2020.
First thing first, make sure to be aware of and follow the Government COVID 19 travel advices
Getting through airport with diabetes can be stressful. It is understandable if you feel uncertain or concern about going through security. I get it. You cannot afford to have your insulin and diabetes supplies not passing the security check. The first time I travelled I was stressed about this too.
The good news is that the chances to not get through are very limited. Nothing will happen if you are prepared and have all the necessary documents with you
Understand the public health requirement of the destination country and restriction to re-entering your country.
Check the UK government website for the latest information.
In the UK you can get a Medical Device Awareness Card which covers both Continuous Glucose Monitoring and insulin pump. The card can be printed from the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) website.
If possible check-in online.
4. Follow the government travel guidance during your journey to the airport and take required covid-10 required precautions.
AT THE AIRPORT
Wear masks, and respect the social distancing rules.
Once you have entered the airport and checked in find your way to security.
Take your diabetes supplies out of your bag, place insulin pens and/or pump sets in transparent bags. If you carry a large quantity of insulin in a cooler you can leave them there.
Notify a security agent that you are wearing a medical device / carrying medical material right away and before your bags go through the X-Ray.
If you have a pump, chances are that when going through the walking scanner it will set up the alarm. To prevent walking through the scanner and set up the alarm you can ask for a regular pat-down by a security agent.
INSULIN PUMP MUST NOT GO MUST NOT GO THROUGH THE LUGGAGE X-RAY MACHINE AND SCANNER, INSULIN PENS CAN GO THROUGH THE X-RAY MACHINE
This being said, if you are stopped, do not worry.
INSULIN PUMP AND CGMs
In general, insulin pump, infusion set, reservoir, and CGM system can withstand exposure to airport metal detectors used at airport security checkpoints.
YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS GOING THROUGH THE WALKING SCANNER WITH INSULIN PUMP AND/OR CGM.
THEY MUST NOT GO THROUGH ANY X-RAY SCANNER (E.I FULL BODY SCANNER)
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