Welcome aboard! Planning a trip and wondering how to travel with insulin? You've landed in the right place. Flying with insulin for the first time can feel a bit overwhelming. From navigating airport security with needles and injections to keeping insulin cool during your flight across Canada or internationally and managing time zone changes, there are plenty of details to consider. But don’t worry—we’re here to help!
So, buckle up and get ready to travel confidently with all your diabetes supplies in tow!
- Can you bring insulin and needles on a plane?
- What diabetes supplies are allowed on flights?
- How much insulin can you pack in your carry-on?
- Do you need a doctor's note to fly with insulin?
- How do you keep insulin cool on the plane?
- How do you carry insulin on international flights?
- Can insulin safely pass through airport scanners?
- And much more!
Related article: Does Insulin Need to Be Refrigerated? Essential Storage Tips!
How to transport insulin on a plane?
Let’s start with the essentials: Can you bring insulin on a plane? Of course! Whether you're flying across Canada or internationally, you’re fully entitled to carry your insulin and all the necessary diabetes supplies in your carry-on bag.
Although CATSA regulations restrict passengers from bringing liquids over 100 millilitres on board, medical supplies like insulin are exempt. Injectable medications such as insulin, Ozempic, Mounjaro, Zepbound, Victoza, Glucagon or Trulicity are permitted in the amounts necessary for your journey, regardless of standard liquid limits. Whether you use insulin pens, vials, cartridges, or prefilled syringes, you have the right to carry them on board.
Always pack your insulin and other diabetes supplies in your carry-on to ensure they stay safe. This avoids the risk of exposure to extreme temperature changes in the cargo hold and eliminates worries about lost or delayed baggage.
Can You take Insulin Needles on a Plane?
Of course! Travelling with insulin means bringing both unused and used needles. Here’s what you need to know:
- Unused insulin needles: You can bring these as long as they’re accompanied by the insulin they’re intended for. This applies to needles for prefilled insulin pens as well as insulin syringes.
- Used insulin needles: These are also allowed, but they must be stored in a sharps container or another secure, hard-surface container, like a plastic laundry detergent bottle. This ensures they don’t cause injury by poking through.
Here’s what CATSA says about needles and syringes for injectable medications like insulin:
“ Diabetic supplies and equipment such as syringes, insulin auto-injectors, jet injectors, and pumps are permitted. Syringes must be for personal medical use, and the needle guard must be in place. The person must possess medication that is to be administered by means of the syringe or needle and biojectors”
Flying With Diabetes Supplies
For those managing diabetes, air travel doesn’t just mean bringing insulin—a variety of essential medical items can also come along. Here’s a breakdown of the supplies you’re allowed to bring on board:
- Insulin and delivery devices: Insulin vials, pens, cartridges, and prefilled syringes (both used and unused).
- Needles and lancets: Necessary for insulin administration and blood glucose monitoring.
- Blood glucose monitoring systems: Blood glucose meters, continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), and related supplies like test strips and ketone strips.
- Infusion supplies: Insulin pumps and related accessories.
- Emergency kits: Glucagon kits and other medical supplies for emergencies.
- Hypoglycemia management liquids: Juices or glucose gels to manage low blood sugar levels.
How to carry Insulin on Airplane
Travelling with insulin requires proper preparation, from packing your supplies to ensuring you have the necessary documentation. Here’s how to pack and what documents to bring for a smooth journey.
Can I bring Insulin in my carry on?
Always pack your insulin in your carry-on luggage to protect it from extreme temperature fluctuations in the cargo hold. You’ll also avoid potential issues with lost or delayed baggage.
Organize your supplies using a clear, airtight container to keep everything neatly arranged and easily accessible for security checks. Although not required, labelling your medications and keeping them in secure, transparent packaging can help simplify the process at security.
Do I Need a Doctor’s Note to Fly With Insulin?
No, a doctor’s note is not required to fly with insulin. While CATSA does not mandate a medical certificate, having prescription labels on your medications can help streamline the process. For extra assurance, consider carrying a diabetes travel letter detailing your condition and the supplies you’re carrying.
Informing your airline about your diabetes isn’t mandatory but can be helpful. For example, some airlines may offer diabetes-friendly meal options.
Carrying Insulin on International Flights
For international flights, familiarize yourself with the medication regulations of your destination country. Most countries allow personal-use quantities of insulin and diabetes supplies, but having a doctor’s note or prescription can prevent potential issues.
Related article: Tips for Traveling With Medication Internationally.
How to Keep Insulin Cold on a Plane
Maintaining the correct storage temperature is critical to preserving insulin’s effectiveness. Here’s how to keep it cool:
- Unopened insulin: Keep it in a refrigerated travel case between 2°C and 8°C.
- Opened insulin: Transport it at room temperature (up to 25°C) for up to 30 days, depending on the insulin type. Use a cooler if temperatures exceed this range.
Additionally, to ensure your insulin stays cool during your flight, your cooler should meet Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) approval. This ensures compliance with airline regulations and smooth passage through airport security screenings!
Related article: How to Travel With Insulin That Needs Refrigeration.
CATSA-Approved portable insulin coolers
If you’re traveling with opened insulin pens or vials that need to stay protected from heat and below 25°C during your journey, 4AllFamily provides a range of CATSA-approved travel cases designed for convenience and safety.
The Chiller Advanced Travel Cases offer a dependable and lightweight solution. These cooling pouches use innovative evaporative cooling technology to keep insulin cool for up to 45 hours—no ice or electricity required. They’re ideal for long flights!
For shorter trips or when you only need to keep one pen cool, the Rambler Single-Pen Insulin Travel Case maintains the right temperature for 12 to 16 hours, depending on external conditions.
If you’re carrying a larger quantity of insulin, the Companion Insulated Cooler Bag can accommodate up to five insulin pens, ensuring they stay safe throughout your travels.
Portable Insulin refrigerator for travel
When flying with unopened insulin that requires refrigeration, a CATSA-approved insulin travel refrigerator is essential. These portable fridges keep insulin within the safe range of 2°C to 8°C and are designed for secure and efficient travel.
The Voyager Travel Refrigerator allows you to carry up to 7 refrigerated insulin pens for more than 30 hours unplugged, or indefinitely when connected to a USB power source. Similarly, the Nomad Portable Cooling Cases provide off-grid refrigeration for up to 7 insulin pens. For extended journeys, the Explorer 3-in-1 Insulin Cooler keeps insulin refrigerated for over 52 hours without electricity.
And of course, all our insulin coolers meet CATSA regulations, ensuring you can travel worry-free while keeping your insulin cold on the plane!
Flying with Insulin: Key Things to Keep in Mind
How much insulin can i carry-on a plane?
You can carry as much insulin as you need on a plane—there’s no set limit. Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) guidelines allow travellers with diabetes to bring enough insulin and related supplies for their trip, provided they declare them at security checkpoints. Be sure to pack what you need for the duration of your travel, plus a little extra in case of delays or emergencies, ensuring it’s for personal use.
Can Insulin go through airport security?
Yes, insulin is safe to pass through airport security scanners. According to CATSA, insulin and all essential diabetes supplies, including pens, vials, and pumps, are allowed through screening devices without issue
If you’re concerned about the effects of X-ray screening on your insulin, you can request a visual inspection instead.
Can Insulin pumps go through airport security?
Insulin pumps may have varying levels of sensitivity to X-ray screening and full-body scanners based on the manufacturer’s recommendations. Many pump manufacturers advise against exposing pumps to high-energy X-rays used in some airport scanners. To avoid any risk of damage, notify the security officer that you’re wearing an insulin pump and request a hand-check instead of going through the scanner or having the pump screened separately.
Related article: Can Insulin Pumps Go Through X-ray & Metal Detectors at the Airport?
Can CGMs go through airport scanners?
Most Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) can pass through airport scanners. However, it’s best to follow the specific guidelines provided by your CGM’s manufacturer, as some devices may not be compatible with certain scanning technologies. If your CGM manufacturer advises against a particular scanner, you can request a manual inspection at security.
Does flying affect blood sugar?
Yes, flying can impact your blood sugar levels due to factors like changes in routine, stress, cabin pressure variations, and prolonged sitting. Here are some tips for managing your blood sugar while flying:
- Monitor your blood sugar regularly to catch any unexpected changes.
- Stay hydrated to combat dehydration, which can influence blood sugar levels.
- Keep snacks handy to address both low and high blood sugar episodes.
- Consult your doctor before travelling to discuss any necessary adjustments to your insulin routine.
Can you take injectable medication like Insulin on a plane?
Administering insulin on a plane takes a little extra attention to maintain safety and effectiveness, especially with the cabin pressure changes that may impact insulin flow.
Start by priming your insulin pen to remove any air bubbles that might have formed due to the pressure variations. For added comfort and discretion, consider using a blanket or piece of clothing to shield yourself from view. If needed, let a flight attendant know in advance so they can assist by ensuring you have a moment of privacy and minimal interruptions.
Related article: 10 Tips That Work to Inject Insulin Without Pain!
We’d Love to Hear From You!
Have tips or experiences about flying with insulin? Share them in the comments below! If you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask—we’re here to support you.
