Plane Travel Tips with T1D
You’re not alone if going on a plane with T1D feels stressful– it’s one of my most frequently asked-about topics!! Hopefully these tips can help you feel a little more confident for your next trip💛
I see two sides to navigating plane travel with T1D– the blood sugar management side (like keeping sugs in range), and the logistical side (like bringing supplies through security!). I’ll share a few of each in this blog. (And if you’re looking for more, we spend a full week in my coaching program Confidence & Control learning to master out-of-routine situations like travel!)
BEFORE THE AIRPORT
PACKING
Check out my T1D packing guide! I include lists for both domestic and international travel.
BRING EVERYTHING ON YOUR CARRY-ON!
Even if it’s extra supplies, don’t put any t1d things in your checked bag!! Just keep it all with you!
MEDICAL BAG
Airlines should allow an extra medical bag free of charge, but I recommend confirming with your specific airline(s) to double-check their policy. I’ve done this a handful of times.
Make sure you ONLY have medical things in the bag. Only once (on Spirit) have I been pulled aside and had my medical bag checked, but they can deny it if you have other non-medical related items in there!
I usually tell the staff when I check-in just to be safe, but often they don’t need to do anything extra for it.
Different airlines may have different size requirements and processes for using a medical bag. Always just double check before you go! There’s usually a page on their website.
DOCTOR’S NOTE
You may opt to bring one if you anticipate issues or when traveling internationally, but I stopped carrying one over the years because I’ve never needed it!
AT THE AIRPORT
GOING THROUGH SECURITY:
Personally, I go through as normal. Meaning, I’ll do the full body scan and put my things through the X-ray with my devices. Most pump/cgm manufacturers say not to, so check with your specific brand to see what they advise. ( However, I suspect many of the companies simply have not had the testing to be able to confirm if it’s safe or not, so advise against it for liability reasons. I have a lot of T1D friends on various devices who go like me, and never had issues! That being said, do what you’re comfortable with!)
Yes, I often get pulled aside. Almost every time after I go through the body scan, they have me touch my pump/cgm with my hand and then swab my hand. It takes about 20 seconds. I expect it at this point! Occasionally, they will pull my bag from the X-ray and examine Dexcoms/Pods, but once they see the box they usually know what it is and then just let me go.
For this reason, It’s nice to have my supplies in its own bag or easy-to-access compartment so if they do need to check, they don’t have to take everything out.
For international flights, I pretty much do the same. I have found security in other countries tends to be less strict than in the US, BUT sometimes rules are different so just be sure to read the signs or ask security if you have questions! (For example, I’ve been to some countries that don’t allow food through security or need medication in a separate bin. So just ask if you’re not sure!!)
During my travels in Asia, I found out that diabetes gadgets are much less common and therefore they were pulled aside more often! I usually just had to use google translate to explain what they were, and then they would let me go with no issues.
LOW SNACKS
I usually pack low snacks to get me through the flight and first day or two on my trip. I make sure it’s something that will easily go through security (not juice), easy to carry, and won’t melt. If I’m gone for more than a few days, I usually obtain more low snacks wherever I’m staying.
ON THE PLANE
KEEP SNACKS AND ONE SET OF SUPPLIES AT YOUR FEET
Just for ease, I like to keep essential diabetes supplies at my feet. Then, even if we are taking off or landing or seatbelt sign is on, I can still easily grab a low snack, check my sugar, or even change my site if needed (never had to do that, but ya never know!). Keep this in mind when packing! I like to have a small “essentials” kit in my personal item so I don’t have to pull it out of my larger carry-on when getting seated.
HAVE LOW SNACKS
You may have heard that rapid pressure changes on the plane (like during takeoff and landing) can cause some insulin to deliver if you wear a pump. This is true, but I rarely hear of it happening– and I’ve only experienced it once myself! If you’re able to disconnect, that can help prevent it from happening, but otherwise I’m just sure to have low snacks on me so I’m ready if I notice a drop.
TIPS FOR HIGH BLOOD SUGAR ON PLANES
One of the most common frustrations I hear about flying is being high during the flight. There are so many reasons this can happen– stress, sitting for long periods, eating unfamiliar foods to name a few. Here’s a few tips I use:
I walk around before the flight to get my body moving for more insulin sensitivity! And if it’s a longer flight, I’ll get up and walk a few times during the flight (if you’re drinking enough water, this will happen anyways due to bathroom trips!).
Speaking of water, I make sure I’m hydrated! Dehydration can lead to stubborn highs.
I typically chose lower carb or easy-to-bolus for food options at the airport. I don’t love airport food anyway, so not missing out on much!
Before Omnipod 5, I would usually set a temp basal (+15%) if it was a longer flight (5+ hours) to help offset the insulin resistance from sitting. I’d usually turn it off about 2 hours before landing to prevent lows once I land! Now, I find auto mode is able to cover the extra insulin I need.
I hope these basic tips help you navigate flying with T1D a little easier! Send me a DM on IG to let me know any other blog topics you’d like me to cover! And be sure to sign up for my weekly newsletter to get exclusive content straight to your inbox!
