Traveling with an insulin pump

Wherever you go, your insulin pump can go too.

Due to increased airport security, it is important that you are prepared for airline travel. Please review these important points prior to air travel. If you wear an insulin pump, contact your healthcare professional for specific information.

Before you go to the airport.

You are permitted by law to wear your insulin pump on the plane, but you should visit the TSA Web site for the most up to date information: www.tsa.gov. We recommend that you print a copy of this page and carry it with you to the airport should there be any questions upon your arrival (click the printer icon at the top right of this page).

Anticipate delays and carry enough supplies and other oral medications to cover several hours/days in addition to your regular travel time. Be sure to have access to all your necessary supplies:

Rapid-acting insulin (Novolog^®, Humalog^®, and Apidra^® )
Long-acting insulin (Lantus^®/glargine, Lente, NPH, Levemir^®/detemir)
Syringes
Glucose testing equipment - Increase frequency of BG checks during flight
Ketone testing equipment
Non-liquid low blood glucose treatment (i.e., glucose tabs, SweetTarts^® and Skittles^®)
Snacks

Be certain to get "time-off" pump guidelines from your healthcare professional if you are planning to disconnect your pump for a period of time.

At the airport

As noted above, you can wear your insulin pump on the plane. However, most insulin pump manufacturers recommend that you do not expose your pump to x-ray equipment. Request a “walk through” or hand wand inspection.

Please contact your insulin pump manufacturer or refer to your pump user guide for any additional information.