Long haul flight

[sarahrmurphy]

Hi flying to Australia next February. I have been before but not since I started insulin . My question is I know to have all documentation but I’m worried for the layover in Singapore if they will accept needles etc ? I’m probably over thinking this ! Thanks in anticipation.

 

[helli]

Yes, you are overthinking this. 🙂
The needles are too small to be of any concern. Airport security are only interested in sharp "blades" longer than 6cm.
I have flown, literally, hundreds of times since being diagnosed with Type 1 (and needing insulin with needles and the rest of the diabetes kit) and no one has cared about needles. Many many years ago, I was pulled over because my metal insulin pen was spotted on the x-ray. Once they realised what it was, they were happy ... and most pens are plastic now.
Documentation is an insurance. In over 20 years, I have shown my letter once and that was when there was a heightened security level (remember the shoe bomber?")

Make sure you have at least twice as much of everything than you think you need for diabetes in your hand luggage, travel insurance and a credit card.

 

[rebrascora]

@helli Not all pens are plastic. The reusable Novo Pens/ Echoes are metal.

@sarahrmurphy As said, needles should not be a problem at all.
Which insulin(s) are you using and have you considered any adjustment to timing of them you might need to consider?

 

[PattiEvans]

However do not attempt to take any foodstuffs into Australia, including hypo cures such as Dextro tabs or tubes of glucose, unless you lay them all out in front of the customs officer and explain what they are for. I was allowed to take Dextro tabs in, having explained their purpose, but it was very much at the officer's discretion. Also if you are taking anything like walking boots in, do ensure the soles are washed clean and have no soil adhering to them.

My personal advice would be to take more than twice as many diabetic supplies than you think you will need and back ups of meters, strips etc.

 

[helli]

I have had no problems carrying GlucoTabs/Lift into Australia although you do need to declare them.
They have always been very strict on foodstuff in order to protect their own farming industry. So they do not allow fresh fruit and veg or honey which may be carrying "nastiness".

In the many times I travelled to Australia, the only thing they ever queried was vegetarian suet but once I explained it was processed they were happy.

This is a helpful list: https://www.abf.gov.au/entering-and-leaving-australia/can-you-bring-it-in/list-of-items

 

[Tdm]

Chocolate and confectionary is on the green list, so jelly babies would be fine.

 

[PattiEvans]

Looking at that list they are now a lot less strict than they were when I last went in 2010.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Enjoy your trip @sarahrmurphy

It does do to go prepared, and to have a copy of your repeat prescription and a letter from your nurse/surgery confirming your need for insulin (try to make it as generic as possible so you can reuse this if the surgery are going to charge you for it)

And I reinforce the suggestion to take far more supplies than you calculate you will need. And to split those supplies in various places if possible eg with a travelling companion. Plus don’t put insulin in the baggage hold - that needs to stay with you in hand luggage. Hold temps can reach below freezing and can ruin insulin before your arrival 😱

Hope you have an amazing time!

 

[John Gray]

The messages one gets from continuously watching daytime TV programmes like Border Security [Australia] are:

• If it's mentioned on the customs declaration card, declare it
• If you're in any doubt about whether or not you need to declare something, declare it

Stupidity is not a good policy...