Diabetes Airport Security Tips: What I’ve Learned from Flying with Diabetes
Travelling abroad with diabetes means packing extra supplies, planning your hypo stash… and preparing for the dreaded airport security. Sound familiar? You get the look when you mention medical devices, your bag gets searched, or you end up trying to explain your pump to someone who thinks it’s a dangerous or prohibited device.
Whilst some airports are great and know exactly what an insulin pump or CGM is, sadly it’s still a bit of a lucky dip depending on where you’re travelling. So here’s my no-nonsense guide to surviving airport security as a diabetic, minus the stress and awkwardness.
1. Grab Yourself a Medical Device Awareness Card
Honestly, this little card saves me so much hassle. It explains that I’m wearing medical devices that can’t be removed (think insulin pumps, CGMs, pod devices) and politely informs security staff about it. I always keep mine handy, especially at security when they start eyeing up my pump.
>>>Download & Print Here<<<
2. Insulin Pumps and CGMs Through Security: Know Your Rights
DON’T put your insulin pump or CGM receiver through the x-ray scanner. Most manufacturers advise against it because it can damage your device.
DO check your device manufacturer’s website for their official guidance before you travel:
- Tandem Device Travel Guidelines - see chapter 17
- Medtronic Help Centre
- Dexcom Travel Information
- Freestyle Libre FAQ
- Omnipod Travel Information
-
YpsoPump Travel Tips
YES, you can request a manual pat-down instead of going through body scanners. Some airports will still ask you to walk through a metal detector (which is generally safe for most devices, but again check your manufacturer’s advice!).
ALWAYS tell the security team before you go through that you’re diabetic and wearing medical devices. Some countries are really understanding… others, less so, so being prepared really helps.
3. Keep a Doctor’s Letter and Prescription Handy
A simple letter from your GP explaining your need for medical devices and supplies makes life so much easier. I keep a printed copy and a photo on my phone. I also have a copy via email in case I lose it.
I also take a copy of my prescription, if your luggage gets lost or you need emergency supplies, you’ll be grateful for it.
4. Use the Sunflower Lanyard if You Need It
The Sunflower Lanyard Scheme is recognised in most UK airports and signals to staff that you have a hidden disability and might need some extra support. I personally love it for flagging up that I might need to skip queues if I’m hypo or not explaining my life story at every checkpoint. You can get yours free from Hidden Disabilities.
5. Keep Insulin and Medical Supplies in Your Carry On
Never put your insulin or CGM supplies in hold luggage. Suitcases go missing and insulin doesn’t like being frozen in the cargo hold. Hand luggage is your best friend: I pack all my diabetes tech, insulin, spare cannulas, sensors, and hypo supplies in my carry-on.
I also try to divide my supplies into different bags if one gets misplaced, I still have backups. Paranoid? Maybe. Prepared? Always.
6. Be Aware: Not All Airports Understand Diabetes
I’ve had lovely experiences where staff knew exactly what my insulin pump was… and I’ve had security guards ask me to rip out my CGM. It really depends on where you are. Some countries and airports are great, others are behind the curve.
My tip: Stay calm, be polite but firm, and know your rights. The Diabetes UK travel advice page is a brilliant resource you can check out here.
Airport security is never going to be fun, but being prepared makes it less of a headache. Take your medical device awareness card, your doctor’s letter, be firm about your devices, and travel knowing you’ve got everything you need to advocate for yourself.
And if you want to make your travel kit cute as well as practical, I’ve got you covered with medical alert jewellery, medical awareness cards, and hypo pots over in the Organising Chaos shop.
