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Airline Companies - Informing of diabetes

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pingu36dd

Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 1
Hi All

I'm off to the USA at the weekend for my hols. Yipee.

This is the second time I've travelled by air while being on a pump. As always I informed the airline that I would be carrying needles etc due to my diabetes.

Well all I can say is WOW! The lady on the phone really knew what she was talking about regarding diabetes.

However, one thing I didn?t realise was (and thankfully I mentioned it) they needed to know if I?m on an insulin pump. I only said it in passing. They needed the serial number, make and battery type to make sure it didn?t interfere with the plane. I can't see it being a problem but I think they have to do it to just in case, especially for any that are remote controlled!

I clearly stated I didn't want a diabetic meal - the lady said that Diabetes UK recommend those meals only for short flights as there isn't much to the meals but an ordinary meal for long haul flights.

She even gave me lots of advice on travelling as a diabetic ? carry glucose tablets and snacks just in case the meals are served late, regular walks about the plane, maybe flight socks, plenty of liquids (non-alcoholic) and no sleeping tablets.

It was such a refreshing change! Good old Virgin Atlantic!
 
Thats really good to hear your positive experience pingu. I only ever mention that I have diabetes and am carrying pen needles when i check in and they ask about sharps, never had a problem flying.

have a fantastic time in the US!
 
pingu36dd said:
Hi All

I'm off to the USA at the weekend for my hols. Yipee.

This is the second time I've travelled by air while being on a pump. As always I informed the airline that I would be carrying needles etc due to my diabetes.

Well all I can say is WOW! The lady on the phone really knew what she was talking about regarding diabetes.

However, one thing I didn?t realise was (and thankfully I mentioned it) they needed to know if I?m on an insulin pump. I only said it in passing. They needed the serial number, make and battery type to make sure it didn?t interfere with the plane. I can't see it being a problem but I think they have to do it to just in case, especially for any that are remote controlled!

I clearly stated I didn't want a diabetic meal - the lady said that Diabetes UK recommend those meals only for short flights as there isn't much to the meals but an ordinary meal for long haul flights.

She even gave me lots of advice on travelling as a diabetic ? carry glucose tablets and snacks just in case the meals are served late, regular walks about the plane, maybe flight socks, plenty of liquids (non-alcoholic) and no sleeping tablets.

It was such a refreshing change! Good old Virgin Atlantic!
Click to expand...

All good advice, except I think flight socks are frowned upon for diabetics as they can reduce the circulation and if you have neuropathy (but perhaps don't yet know it) you can loose circulation - check with your DSN for the best advice on that one.

As for the meals, yes, stearing clear of the diabetic option on any flight is a good call. You get no option of vegetarian or other special diets with the diabetic meal and I've had meals I simply can't eat arrive, all because someone didn't listen to my clearly stating I didn't want a diabetic meal.

Enjoy the trip!
 
Einstein said:
All good advice, except I think flight socks are frowned upon for diabetics as they can reduce the circulation and if you have neuropathy (but perhaps don't yet know it) you can loose circulation - check with your DSN for the best advice on that one.

As for the meals, yes, stearing clear of the diabetic option on any flight is a good call. You get no option of vegetarian or other special diets with the diabetic meal and I've had meals I simply can't eat arrive, all because someone didn't listen to my clearly stating I didn't want a diabetic meal.

Enjoy the trip!
Click to expand...

Excuse my blondeness but what is a diabetic meal?
 
Yiippeeee!!!!!!!

What a refreshing change that someone can offer good advice!
Hope you have a brilliant time - you deserve a good holiday after all the voluntary work you do! Enjoy yourself - and think of us here in soggy old UK!:DBev
 
angel30eyes said:
Excuse my blondeness but what is a diabetic meal?
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Horrid!

Erm something with no fat, carbohydrate and it looks like a lettuce leaf, oh, it is and a stick of celery!
 
Einstein said:
Horrid!

Erm something with no fat, carbohydrate and it looks like a lettuce leaf, oh, it is and a stick of celery!
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Lmao, seriously? That bad? Why do the think as a diabetic you don't need relatively normal food?
 
angel30eyes said:
Lmao, seriously? That bad? Why do the think as a diabetic you don't need relatively normal food?
Click to expand...

Good question, I'd love to know why as well, I'm also less than impressed being presented with a ham or prawn salad 😡

Hence, I just opt to vegetarian breakfast and if I don't know the main meal option go vegie as well - its generally the only time I eat vegie... ho hummm
 
I think they should get rid of the diabetic meals because everyone is so different in what they eat and how much carbohydrate, i would always go with the normal meal. I usually fly short haul so often don't even get a meal and take my own snacks.
 
angel30eyes said:
Lmao, seriously? That bad? Why do the think as a diabetic you don't need relatively normal food?
Click to expand...

same as when you are trying to loose weight and when you eat out, even if you have allowed for it everyone else thinks you shouldn't have the yummy pudding like (ahem, and I hate the phrase) 'normal people'
 
Einstein said:
Good question, I'd love to know why as well, I'm also less than impressed being presented with a ham or prawn salad 😡

Hence, I just opt to vegetarian breakfast and if I don't know the main meal option go vegie as well - its generally the only time I eat vegie... ho hummm
Click to expand...

I love prawn salad :(
 
lol diabetic meals! ive never heard about them - sounds completely patronising though & quite amusing.
 
I got a To Whom It May Concern letter from my doctor so security will let me take my Blood Glucose meter and lancets in the cabin.

I'm flying to France at the end of the month for a naughty weekend :D
 
brightontez said:
I got a To Whom It May Concern letter from my doctor so security will let me take my Blood Glucose meter and lancets in the cabin.

I'm flying to France at the end of the month for a naughty weekend :D
Click to expand...

Tez, the letter is a handy thing to carry, I've never been asked to explain or document it yet.

Enjoy 😉
 
The letter is a useful thing to have Einstein. I also have a Medic Alert bracelet too.

Knowing my luck (I always look nervous at airports and sweat a lot) I'd have to empty the contents of my bag onto a security officers table again...😡

Better safe than sorry...
 
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