Flying with a Frio

[Northerner]

Just a quick question about Frio cooling bags and flying - do airlines get upset about carrying these when activated and containing lots of insulin (e.g 15 cartridges)? I'm thinking that when I leave Southampton I might fly to Leeds/Bradford but would need to transport all my back up insulin and keep it cool for a couple of days as I will be buying a new fridge when I get up there, so won't have anywhere to put it. I want to make sure I have plenty of supplies in case I have any problems getting a new GP/prescription set up, but don't want to risk wasting the insulin.

 

[mikeyB]

Depends I suppose where you put it. If it’s in a suitcase, they might want it open, but if it’s in your hand luggage they are used to Frio bags, so I wouldn’t worry.

You can talk your way out of anything anyway as we well know

 

[Davein]

Just a quick question about Frio cooling bags and flying - do airlines get upset about carrying these when activated and containing lots of insulin (e.g 15 cartridges)? I'm thinking that when I leave Southampton I might fly to Leeds/Bradford but would need to transport all my back up insulin and keep it cool for a couple of days as I will be buying a new fridge when I get up there, so won't have anywhere to put it. I want to make sure I have plenty of supplies in case I have any problems getting a new GP/prescription set up, but don't want to risk wasting the insulin.

Don't forget your passport

 

[Vince_UK]

May be worth calling the airline Northie just to double check. I don't see the airline having any big issues as it is prescribed medical supplies.The main problem could be the security check. They tend to be hypersensitive. Hand carry on could be the best option for you. Just my opinion

 

[Northerner]

May be worth calling the airline Northie just to double check. I don't see the airline having any big issues as it is prescribed medical supplies.The main problem could be the security check. They tend to be hypersensitive. Hand carry on could be the best option for you. Just my opinion

It would definitely be hand carry on Vince as insulin can't go in the hold because of danger of freezing. I'll be travelling light anyway as everything else will be in the removal truck 🙂

 

[Vince_UK]

It would definitely be hand carry on Vince as insulin can't go in the hold because of danger of freezing. I'll be travelling light anyway as everything else will be in the removal truck 🙂

I was't sure Northie how you carry it so getting past security I can see as the only issue but not a significant one 🙂 should there be any issues. Presciption drugs are usually ok, You should see the stuf I carry here which isn't prescription Vit C , Cod liver oil etc.non of which is prescription as well as the 4pr 5 kilos of coffee.🙂

 

[mikeyB]

Well, I’ve been through Budapest and Moscow with insulin and bags of meds without anyone batting an eye. Southerner immigration control might hold you up at Leeds/Bradford. Polish up your accent.

 

[Matt Cycle]

Well, I’ve been through Budapest and Moscow with insulin and bags of meds without anyone batting an eye. Southerner immigration control might hold you up at Leeds/Bradford. Polish up your accent.

Nah then lad, of course tha can come in if tha wants, welcome home.

 

[Shiv Gaffney]

I usually carry a letter from GP (stamped by police if travelling further afield) stating T1D and that you need to carry your medication - I also have a copy of the prescription near to hand in case they look for it. By law you are entitled to carry it but depends on the airport and the attitude of the security personnel. Have travelled worldwide and not too many incidents but was one that springs to mind was when in Stansted I was stopped and aggressively questioned by a security officer until, at my insistence, he finally called airport police who knew the procedure and let me on my merry way.

 

[Sally71]

When we flew we had to open our bag both times because of the Frio - it must look quite interesting on the scanner, with whatever gel stuff is in it plus little bottles inside! But as soon as we took it out they knew what it was and weren't interested any more, they didn't even want to see what was inside. So you should be fine 🙂

 

[Barbie1]

I have flown between Southampton and various places, including Leeds/Bradford, with absolutely no problems
They didn’t seem at all phased by the equipment in my handbag!

As you well know, Northie, keep your GP letter with you!

 

[Barbie1]

That’s fazed, not phased

 

[Northerner]

I have flown between Southampton and various places, including Leeds/Bradford, with absolutely no problems
They didn’t seem at all phased by the equipment in my handbag!

As you well know, Northie, keep your GP letter with you!

I've flown a few times from Southampton and they are pretty relaxed - I've had real grillings at Manchester and Glasgow though 😱 My concern really was the quantity of insulin I would be carrying, plus whether the activated gel of a Frio might be a problem - I've only ever had a half-full pen with me in the past 😱

 

[grainger]

Not strictly related but you are allowed a medical bag in addition to normal hand luggage on flights so if you didn’t want to travel light you don’t have to 🙂

 

[Northerner]

Not strictly related but you are allowed a medical bag in addition to normal hand luggage on flights so if you didn’t want to travel light you don’t have to 🙂

Good point @grainger 🙂