Quick Answer: You're allowed to bring all your diabetes medications and supplies, including needles and syringes, on the plane. According to the UK CAA, you'll only need to show documentation if you're flying with more than 100 ml of liquid medicine. Learn more details below!
Flying with diabetes can raise lots of questions, especially when it comes to travelling with your medication and medical supplies. Are you allowed to bring injectable medicines on a plane? What about needles and syringes? How to pack them for air travel? Is it safe to take your insulin pump through x-ray machines? Do you need a doctor's note?
This guide will answer all your queries about UK airport regulations for diabetics and ensure you're fully prepared for your journey.
Related article: Helpful Tips for Flying with Diabetes!
Do You Need Documents to Take Diabetes Medicine and Supplies on a Plane?
Flying with medical supplies such as insulin or other diabetes injections, needles, syringes, and electronic medical device like insulin pumps or CGMs does raise concerns about documentation.
Whether you're flying domestically or internationally, having the right paperwork can help you avoid unnecessary delays, ensuring you're complying with all regulations, and you can have a smooth security process at the airport.
UK Domestic Flights
For domestic flights within the UK, you do not need any specific documentation to fly with your diabetic medications and supplies.
According to the UK Government website itself: "You do not need to show proof if the medication is either in tablet form or liquid in container that's 100 ml or smaller".
In other words, if you're flying within the UK with less than 100 ml of insulin, Ozempic, or other diabetes injections, which is probably the case, you do not need to show any document at the airport security checkpoint. However, if you're carrying greater quantities (more than 100 ml of medicine), you may be asked to show a doctor's note or a copy of your prescription. You can also find more details on the CAA website here (UK Civil Aviation Authority).
Now, if you want to be on the safe side, in my opinion it's always a good idea to bring a Diabetes Travel Letter with you. It's a simple document that you can print and ask your doctor to fill out. While not obligatory when flying domestically, this letter confirms you have diabetes and lists all the medications and supplies you need to take on the plane, including fruit juices over 100 ml that you may need for treating low blood sugar during the flight.
Related article: Download Your Free Diabetes Travel Letter Template for UK Airport Security Screenings.
International Flights
When flying abroad with diabetes and medical supplies, carrying documentation is essential. Different countries have varying regulations, and some may require proof of your medical condition and the need for your medical supplies.
Here's a breakdown of the documentation you may be asked to show:
A doctor's letter, a copy of your prescription, and any medical ID can help you navigate airport security and border customs smoothly.
- Doctor's Note or Prescription
A diabetes travel letter from your GP should state that you are diabetic and need to carry insulin, needles, syringes, glucose meter, and any other medical supplies. You may also be asked to show a copy of your medical prescription. It can also be useful if you need to purchase insulin or injection supplies abroad.
If you're travelling to a country where English isn't commonly spoken, having a translated copy of this documentation can be incredibly helpful.
- Medication Labels
When crossing international borders with your diabetes medication and supplies, it's important that the custom agents can quickly identify the contents. So, always pack your diabetes supplies in their original containers with visible labels.
While you can generally travel with as much insulin or medication you need for your stay, there isn't a universal rule about how much insulin you can travel with. The general guideline here is to carry a reasonable amount that aligns with your prescription, typically a supply for the length of your trip, plus some extra in case of delays. The idea is to be able to prove it's for personal use.
Regulations regarding the importation of medication like insulin may vary depending on your destination country. If you're ever unsure about the requirements of the country you're travelling to, a quick call to their embassy or consulate can help clarify the rules for carrying insulin.
Related article: International Travels with Insulin: Carrying Insulin on International Flights and Managing Time Zone Changes.
Can You Bring All Your Diabetes Supplies on a Plane?
Packing for air travel with diabetes supplies can feel overwhelming but understanding what you can bring and how to pack your supplies properly makes the process much simpler. Let's look at the specific items you may need to carry and the regulations surrounding them.
Related article: Travelling with Diabetes: Your Checklist and All You Need to Know Before Departure!
Injectable Medications (Insulin, Ozempic, etc.)
Yes, you can bring injectable diabetes medications on a plane, including insulin, Ozempic, Victoza,Trulicity, and others. They may be contained in vials, injection pens, or prefilled syringes. Ensure they are in their original packaging and the labels are visible.
If you're flying with less than 100 ml of medication, you do not need any document.
Related article: Travelling with Ozempic: All You Need to Know About Coolers, Airport Regulations, International Travels, and More!
Insulin Needles and Syringes
New needles and syringes used for your diabetes injections can be brought on board too if they are accompanied by your medication.
According to UK airport security guidelines from the CAA, used needles must be transported in a sharps bin or any secure, hard-surfaced container to meet safety standards.
Related article: All You Need to Know About Travel Sharps Containers for Handling Used Needles During Travel!
Insulin Pumps and CGMs
Insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are allowed on flights, along with any accessories that they require (infusion set, lancets, etc.). Before passing through airport security checkpoints, inform staff that you are wearing these electronic medical devices. Some insulin pumps and CGMs should not go through x-ray machines (see more information below).
Glucose Tablets and Fruit Juice for Hypoglycaemia
Glucose tablets and small cartons of fruit juice are permitted as medical essentials. Liquids must adhere to the 100ml limit unless explicitly declared as medically necessary (in your diabetes travel letter, for instance). Notify security staff and have your doctor's letter ready to avoid delays at airport security checks.
Related article: What's the Insulin Passport Used in the UK and How Can You Get Yours?
Can Insulin and Diabetes Medicine Safely Go Through X-Ray and Metal Detectors at the Airport?
Nowadays, flying necessarily involves dealing with X-ray machines and metal detectors at airport security checkpoints. Many of you wonder if it's safe for their medication and electronic diabetes devices like insulin pumps or CGMs. And you're right to wonder, as not all these devices can go through x-ray machines.Knowing how these technologies interact with your medications and medical devices is important.
Insulin and Medication
Insulin and other diabetes medications, including Metformin, Ozempic, Victoza, etc, are safe to pass through X-ray machines. Metal detectors won't harm your medications either. However, if you're concerned, you can request a manual inspection instead.
What About Insulin Pumps and CGMs?
Insulin pumps and CGMs are sensitive electronic devices that shouldn't be exposed to X-rays or full-body scanners. Always request a pat-down inspection instead.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is fully aware of the needs for diabetics to wear their insulin pumps during airport screenings. They have even introduced a Medical Device Awareness Card, which informs passengers of their rights and guides security officers on their responsibilities when encountering insulin pumps at the airport.
According to the CAA, passengers with an insulin pump should:
- Carry their Medical Device Awareness Card along with a doctor's note.
- Notify the airport security officer about their insulin pump.
- Remove any spare insulin pumps from their carry-on luggage before X-ray screening.
You can find more information about CGMs and Insulin Pumps at the airport in our related article below, including what different manufacturers say about their medical devices:
Related article: Air Passengers with Insulin Pumps: Are Airport Scanners and X-ray Security Screenings Safe?
How to Keep Insulin and Diabetes Injections Cool When Flying
This is our last point for today. As you know, insulin is sensitive to temperature and must be kept refrigerated before use and at a controlled room temperature (below 25°C) for a maximum of 28 days (varying depending on the brand and type of insulin you're using). And the same goes for pretty much any diabetes injection, including Ozempic, Victoza, Trulicity and others. Always check your medication's specific storage instructions before departure!
Here are some quick tips to keep it cool during your journey to the airport and while on the plane:
- Always pack your insulin and diabetes medication in your hand luggage, never in the checked bags, as cargo hold temperatures can fluctuate significantly.
- Use a medical-grade travel cooler that's approved for air travel, like the ones from 4AllFamily UK. You may not be allowed to board with ice packs and DIY coolers.
- Store your insulin in the fridge (or in a cool place if open) as soon as you arrive at your destination.
Related article: How to Travel With Insulin That Needs to Be Refrigerated or Kept Cool!
By planning ahead and knowing the regulations that apply at the airport and borders, you can travel confidently with all your diabetes medications and supplies, focusing on enjoying your journey instead of worrying!
We'd Love to Hear Your Thoughts!
Are you a frequent flyer with diabetes? Would you like to share your experiences or questions with us? Don't hesitate to leave a comment below, we'd love to hear from you!
