If you’re preparing for your first flight with diabetes, it’s natural to have a flurry of questions and concerns swirling in your mind.
Relax—you’ve got this! Every day, countless Canadians with diabetes travel with their insulin pumps, CGMs, and injectable medications. The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) ensures that flying with diabetes is manageable and stress-free.
Here’s a detailed guide answering 25 common questions about flying with diabetes. It’s packed with practical tips and advice from a fellow Type 1 diabetic traveller!
Related article: The Ultimate Checklist for Traveling With Diabetes!
CATSA & Diabetes: What documents should I bring?
Great news: You don’t need to provide any specific documents to fly with diabetes and related supplies under the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) guidelines. However, carrying a medical certificate or a CATSA notification card can help streamline the process and minimize potential confusion with security staff. These documents are particularly useful when travelling internationally.
Do I need a doctor's note to fly with insulin?
No, CATSA doesn’t officially require a medical certificate to carry your diabetic supplies onboard. That said, visible prescription labels for your medications and medical devices can help ensure a smoother screening process.
Bringing a diabetes travel letter from your healthcare provider explaining your condition and listing your devices and medications is a good idea. While not mandatory, it can be a great help if you encounter an unfamiliar or overly cautious security officer.
Related article: Travel Insurance for Diabetics: What You Should Know Before Departure!
Do I need to show documents to the airline?
No, airlines usually don’t ask for medical documents. However, letting your airline know about your condition in advance can ensure you have access to diabetes-friendly meal options during your flight.
What about international travel with diabetic supplies?
International travel with medications and supplies may require extra preparation and documentation. Every country has unique regulations regarding medications, especially injectable ones. Violating these rules can lead to serious consequences, including confiscation or legal penalties.
Diabetic supplies and medications are widely recognized globally. As long as you’re carrying only what you need for personal use during your trip, you should have no issues
To avoid issues, research the destination’s medication rules ahead of time. The Government of Canada’s travel resources can provide helpful guidelines.
Can I bring injectable medication on a plane?
Air travel with diabetic supplies is common, and CATSA agents are well-informed about them, making it rare to encounter problems.
How to fly with diabetic supplies
You can bring all necessary diabetic supplies onboard, including insulin, pens, prefilled syringes, needles, lancets, glucose meters, test strips, alcohol swabs, pumps, infusion kits, glucagon kits, sharps containers, and liquids like juice for hypoglycemia. Other injectable medications like Ozempic or Trulicity are also allowed.
Can I take insulin needles on a plane?
Unused needles
Yes, unused needles are permitted when accompanied by the medication they’re intended for. Make sure they’re in your carry-on bag and easily identifiable.
Used needles
Used needles and syringes should be transported in an appropriate Sharps disposal container. If you don’t have one, use a hard container like a detergent bottle to prevent accidental punctures.
What about diabetes lancets?
Although diabetes lancets are considered sharp objects, they are permitted on planes as part of your diabetes kit. Ensure they are capped and packed alongside your glucose meter for safe transport.
Can I bring liquids and fruit juices onboard?
Yes, diabetics are allowed to bring liquid glucose treatments such as juice or gels despite standard liquid restrictions. Inform security agents about your diabetes and have any supporting documents handy.
CATSA rules about flying with an insulin pump
Bringing insulin on a plane
Yes, you can bring insulin on a plane. While there are general restrictions on liquids, injectable medications like insulin, Victoza, Byetta, Ozempic, Glucagon, growth hormones, and EpiPens are allowed, even in containers larger than 100 millilitres.
Whether it’s stored in vials, cartridges, injectable pens, or prefilled syringes, you have the right to carry insulin during your flight.
It’s essential to keep your insulin in your carry-on bag. Extreme temperatures and conditions in the cargo hold could damage or freeze your medication, rendering it unsafe to use.
Related article: How to Keep Insulin Cool on a Plane?
Can I Fly with Mounjaro, Victoza, Ozempic, Trulicity, or Byetta?
Absolutely, you’re allowed to bring injectable diabetes medications like Mounjaro, Victoza, Ozempic, Trulicity, Byetta, and insulin when flying. Make sure the prescription labels are clearly visible to assist security officers in promptly verifying your medications..
Related article: How Does Mounjaro Work for Diabetes and Weight Loss?
Can insulin go through x ray at airport
Yes, insulin can safely pass through X-ray machines and airport scanners without being damaged. However, if you feel uncomfortable with this, you can request a hand inspection of your insulin pens or vials by a CATSA agent.
Related article: Can Insulin Pumps Go Through X-ray and Metal Detectors at the Airport?
How to bring insulin on a plane?
There are no specific restrictions on how insulin must be transported during air travel. All types of containers, including vials, cartridges, injector pens, smart pens, pumps, and syringes, are permitted.
There is no limit to the quantity of insulin you can bring, but if you’re carrying an unusually large amount, customs may ask questions. Be ready to explain that it’s for personal use to avoid concerns about drug trafficking.
You don’t need to place your insulin in the liquids’ zip-lock bag typically required for other carry-on liquids. Keep it in your purse or carry-on luggage. Make sure your insulin is packed securely to prevent breakage or damage during transit.
Labels should remain intact on your insulin and any other medications to ensure easy identification by security agents. While it’s not mandatory, keeping the original packaging can be helpful in some cases.
How to travel with insulin that needs to be refrigerated?
Insulin needs to be kept at fridge temperatures (2°C to 8°C) until opened. Once opened, it can stay at room temperature (13°C to 26°C) for up to a month. To keep it cool during travel, use a CATSA-approved medical cooler.
The stability of insulin at room temperature typically ranges from 28 to 56 days, depending on the brand.
If you’re travelling with insulin for less than a month, it’s important to keep it at room temperature (below 26°C). Airplane cabins are generally kept cool, so maintaining this temperature during the flight is usually not an issue.
However, if outdoor temperatures exceed 26°C while travelling to or from the airport, you’ll need to take extra precautions to protect your insulin. Using an insulin cooler is a simple and effective way to prevent it from overheating in such situations.
For trips lasting longer than a month, you’ll need to ensure your insulin is consistently stored at fridge temperature (between 2°C and 8°C) throughout your journey. It’s worth noting that, unlike in the past, airline attendants can no longer store your insulin in the airplane fridge due to updated security policies.
The best solution is to use a portable medical travel cooler that is approved by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA). These coolers are designed to keep insulin at safe temperatures and meet carry-on regulations, making them an essential travel accessory for diabetics.
4AllFamily offers great portable options, including USB-powered mini-fridges and cooling cases.
Can You Inject Insulin During a Flight?
Yes, you are allowed to inject insulin while onboard. However, there are a few precautions you should keep in mind for your safety.
Due to changes in air pressure during takeoff and landing, insulin prefilled pens or pump reservoirs may develop air bubbles. While these bubbles are harmless when insulin is injected subcutaneously, they can result in administering less insulin than intended, potentially affecting your blood glucose levels.
To avoid this, always prime your insulin pen before use. Set the dosage to 2 units, hold the pen upright, and inject into the air until the bubbles are gone. Repeat this process as needed until no bubbles remain.
Can insulin Pumps and cgm go through airport security
You can absolutely travel with your insulin pump and all its necessary accessories, such as insulin vials or cartridges, reservoirs, infusion sets, and spare pump batteries. The same applies to continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems.
However, it’s important to take precautions during airport security screenings, as x-ray machines, metal detectors, and full-body scanners could potentially damage some electronic devices.
Can an Insulin Pump Go Through a Metal Detector?
Some insulin pump manufacturers, such as Medtronic, advise that their pumps may be affected by metal detectors and x-ray machines, while others, like Omnipod, confirm their devices can safely pass through security screening technologies.
According to Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) guidelines, passengers with insulin pumps or glucose monitors can opt for advanced imaging technology, a walk-through metal detector, or a pat-down screening. You are not required to remove your pump during security checks.
If you have concerns about your insulin pump’s compatibility with security screening equipment, you can always request a pat-down inspection instead. This ensures that your device is not exposed to any potentially harmful equipment. For the most accurate advice, consult your pump manufacturer before travelling.
Can I take my Blood Sugar Monitor on a Plane?
Yes, blood sugar monitors are allowed onboard. Like insulin pumps, some CGMs can withstand security screening processes, while others may risk damage. It’s best to check with the manufacturer before flying and request a hand inspection if needed.
Can the Dexcom G6 Go Through a Metal Detector?
The Dexcom G6 can pass through walk-through metal detectors without issue. However, the manufacturer advises against exposing the device to advanced imaging technology (AIT) body scanners or x-ray machines. Instead, opt for hand-wanding, pat-downs, or visual inspections to ensure your G6 components remain undamaged.
Flying with the FreeStyle Libre
According to Abbott, the FreeStyle Libre CGM can safely go through x-ray machines. However, the manufacturer doesn’t specify its safety with full-body scanners or metal detectors.
In its position statement, Diabetes UK confirms that the FreeStyle Libre sensor can be worn during whole-body scanning without performance issues. The reader itself can safely pass through airport x-ray systems.
For all devices, it’s a good idea to carry a copy of the manufacturer’s guidelines or documentation to help clarify any concerns during airport security checks. When in doubt, opt for manual inspections to ensure the safety of your diabetes equipment.
More about Flying with Diabetes
Can You Fly with Gestational Diabetes?
In Canada, gestational diabetes affects a significant percentage of pregnant women and is classified as a "high-risk" condition. Travelling during pregnancy, particularly with gestational diabetes, can pose potential risks to both your health and your baby’s health. If you’re considering air travel, it’s essential to consult your healthcare provider. They can assess your specific situation and determine whether flying is safe for you.
Related article: Can You Fly with Gestational Diabetes? Air Travel Tips for High-Risk Pregnancies
Does flying affect blood sugar?
Yes, air travel can affect blood sugar levels due to stress, dehydration, and changes in routine. Be prepared with snacks and monitor your levels frequently during the flight.
What are good diabetic snacks for air travel?
Snack options like nuts, cheese sticks, and low-sugar protein bars are great choices. For more ideas, check out our related article:
Related: The 10 Best Diabetic Snacks on the Go for Travels and Road Trips!
We hope this guide answers all your questions. Have a safe and comfortable trip!
