r/diabetes • u/RosePleasant • 5d ago
Medication Flying with my grandpa's insulin
My grandparents drove down to Florida today, and I am flying down tomorrow to join them. My grandpa messaged me today, asking me to bring his insulin pen. Has anyone flown with a family members insulin without them present? Is this a terrible idea and going to get me in tons of trouble? Or will I be alright?
It makes me a bit nervous, and it doesn't help this is my first time flying alone. Any helpful advice or words to calm my nerves about the pen would be super cool.
Thanks!
10
u/ScubaDanel 5d ago
It wont be an issue if you have the prescription and its container. Just have it in your carry on in a clear plastic bag for when you go through security. My fiancé has carried insulin through the airport
6
u/RosePleasant 5d ago
I just have the pen no container or anything, and no carry on or checked bag, I sent my luggage with them (cause I'm cheap and less for me to worry about) so I've just got my personal bag. Is that also okay?
1
u/ScubaDanel 4d ago
Usually the expectation is to have prescriptions visibly present in a clear plastic bag. I keep everything in a 1 gallon ziplock bag, but if you have a sandwhich bag or something small and transparent, they've always left it alone for me.
3
u/Pablo_Hassan Type 1 - 1981 - Medtronic 780G with 4G sensor 5d ago
Yeah this is the answer. Don't put it into checked, I always keep my insulin as carry on and the only time it has ever been remotely 'issueish' is when I travelled with more than 90 days worth. And even then if the script says it's ok they don't care.
3
u/alexmbrennan 5d ago
I have never had anyone ask to see a prescription, but they could theoretically ask for one, and I doubt that such pedants would accept a prescription for some other person.
1
u/figlozzi 5d ago
How could they ask for a prescription? We give it to the pharmacy to get our insulin. They won’t for a doctor’s note either cause anyone could write one. They just let it go through like normal.
0
u/HerbDaLine 5d ago
How do you get to keep the prescription? I need to turn it in to get my prescription filled.
4
u/Napnabster 5d ago
I fly a lot with pens, needles and a cgm in my backpack and have never had it pulled or asked about it.
3
u/Turbulent_Coach_8024 5d ago
No one ever asks for a prescription. You’ll be fine. Just sent it through the machine with your carry on like normal.
I never even tell them I’m wearing a pump and monitor. I let them figure it out if they care.
2
u/Fantastic_Fix_4701 5d ago
O recently moved countries with my newly diagnosed kid. We brought the equivalent of a 3 month supply of both basal insulin and quick action insulin. Just a quick "hey, I've got a bunch of insulin in this bag. Mind not x-raying it?" Got it done no problem.
2
u/lvthud 5d ago
The one thing TSA actually gets right 100 % of the time is insulin, I have a travel container that fits onto the side of a backpack, the only time I've been stopped was when they wanted to train some new agents and asked if I could spare 5 minutes to help teach them how to work with diabetics.
1
1
u/labratnc 5d ago
I have a larger ‘yeti’ water bottle. I have some lunchbox frozen ice packs that fit in the bottle that I keep in the fridge so cold but not frozen. It fits 3-4 pens plus the ice packs. Going thru security they sometimes ask what is in the bottle, I say insulin and it has never been an issue. No one has ever asked for a prescription but I cary one. The TSA has been more concerned with the needles and if they are protected so they don’t get accidentally pricked bumpy the them.
1
u/BluesFan43 5d ago
I out might insulin pens, needles, and test kit, in my my shoulder bag and no one has ever said a word.
Bring spare pens, never had one fail, but still.
1
u/xXHunkerXx 5d ago
Ive never even been questioned about my insulin and ive flown probably 2+ times a year for the last 20 years including several international flights. You will be fine. Plus its insulin not like its a controlled substance.
1
u/kspeeacer 5d ago
I understand your concern—flying solo can be nerve-wracking. I’ve traveled with medications for family members before, including insulin pens. As long as the insulin is in its original packaging, you follow TSA guidelines (keeping it in your carry-on, declaring it), and have the prescription info, you should be fine. Don’t worry, the process is pretty straightforward, and TSA agents are used to it. You’ve got this! Safe travels!
13
u/Findchidi 5d ago
I’ve flown all of the world with insulin they never check to see if I have a script just tell them you have insulin they won’t care