My First Flight (and was my insulin stale?)

[rossi_mac]

Just back from an ace weekend and it's the first time since diagnosis that I have flown.

I flew EasyJet I read up on their website before hand and they say they accept diabetic sharps on flights, and a letter from a doctor is not required.

I did however get a letter from my doctor.

So I went to check in, usual stuff, then I explained I had sharps for my diabetes and showed him the letter from my doctor, he then thought I was a doctor!? Eventually, well after a very short time, he waved me on kinda mumbling I'm sure it's fine!

Next was security check, as I put my bags through the xray machine I explained to the nearest security officer I had sharps for my Diabetes, he looked at me then said "okay" he then wondered away from the area for his tea break!

So on the way home I said nothing to no one.

What do you guys/girls do ??

On another note I didn't inject hardly any novarapid as I was quite active and it was hot, after 3 days I used my Novarapid pen again, the first few drops of insulin looked white, I wasted several units until it was all clear, I'm okay but does that sound okay?

 

[Admin]

White insulin is not good!

I only ever tell them at check in when they ask if you have any sharps, and sometimes I don't bother then. I never mention it going through x-ray etc. have never been asked and I have taken over 30 flights since 2000. Had more trouble over my camera & pda!!

Did you have your insulin refrigerated or in a cool place while you were away? White insulin is not good - and if it has baked in the sun - it negates its effectiveness.

I have spent many months living in very hot countries and done climbs etc - and while I have seriously had to reduce my insulin intake - i have never ever stopped taking it.

Did you check your bs levels? I hope so!

 

[Einstein]

Like admin, I've flown a lot over the past 8 years, the only tricky time was when the hand luggage restrictions came in, especially relating to fluids. We were due to fly to Corfu a month after the restrictions and no-one knew how diabetics were to be impacted.

I took diabetes UKs advice and got a letter from my GP, simply as a 'to whom it may concern...' thats the only time I explained I had insulin, no-one seemed bothered as I had less than 100ml.

Any other time I've flown (UK flights included) that's at least 20 times a year, I've never had a problem with security or been asked to put anything in the hold.

Regarding cloudy insulin this generally isn't good to use, you should always carry spares of everything, including two pens if you can and lots of spare needles.

The Frio range of gel coolers have worked for me in 42 degrees of Greek sun and on the beech or out and about - remember to keep them in as much shade as possible and off the sand!

Enjoy your travels, prepare and all should be good!

 

[aymes]

I usually carry a doctors note with me when travelling but I've never shown it to anyone or been asked for it. I've never mentioned it to anyone on security etc and it's never been an issue.

 

[randomange]

I fly about once a month (usually with Easyjet), and I have a note from my doctor with my passport just in case, but I've never had to use it. I don't mention anything to security unless I'm getting my bag searched, and even then it's never been a problem. 🙂

 

[rossi_mac]

Thanks all,

The insulin did look clear in the pen, and it was in a frio bag, which felt cool.
And yes I was testing, more than ever, every opportunity really after and before food and activities, and my levels were good all below 7's.

I'll keep an extra special eye on my levels until I finish that particular cartridge just to be sure, thanks again.

 

[Munjeeta]

Wow = 3 insulin-less days, I can't imagine how blissful that must've been 🙂

I've flown a number of times and always used to carry a letter but have never been asked to justify my pens etc (although did use the letter when I was using syringes) Always get that little flutter as my bag goes through the x-ray machine thingy, just in case there's a problem, but (touch wood!) always been ok!

 

[Sugarbum]

Ihad a couple of months ago (I wont mention the airport!) but it wasnt my diabetic supplies, I thought it was ok to have an unopened small bottle of Lucozade (as it was for my diabetes) in my carry-on back pack when I went through security and it wasnt. I had actually forgotten about it in all honesty because unless Im hypo, Im never actually drinking the stuff.

The woman was scary shall we say, very rude, I explained myself and she said to me, "any terrorist can come up with that line lady, I dont care what disease you say you have rules are rules"! She poured it away in front of me. I actually accept those rules, her rudeness and ignorance was what infuriated me.

From here on in I shall be travelling with gluco tabs, until I get through to the departure lounge where I shall purchse my lucozade!

 

[squidge63]

Touch wood I have never had a problem, the only time I mention it is at check in when they ask about sharps.. I say I am diabetic and have needles in my carry on, and they say fine. Never mention to anyone else, I would say if my bag had to be checked, but even then the needles are in a sheath and their plastic cap so it is not likely someone would get a needlestick. I have never had a dr's letter and i have flown with thomas cook, northwest, virgin, BA and monarch and have never been asked for one.

 

[sofaraway]

I flew to Glasgow once and because it was only to see a band and come back the next morning didn't need to check in anything, did the check in one screen, it asked if there were any sharps, i answered yes and I had to go to the desk. They told me in future to just answer no. I haven't had to use that kind of check in again since.

I have a letter from my nurse but haven't needed it. I have recentlt brough some glucojuice- it is only 59mls so would be allowed through security.

all this talk of flying makes me want to go on holiday!