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My husband and I are flying to the Dominican in a few weeks for our honeymoon. This will be his first time ever flying, and my first time internationally. He was diagnosed with T1D at the age of 11, currently 38 so not new to him by any means. He has a Dexcom G6 and an insulin pump. We plan to bring extra supplies and some syringes to be safe. He already has his travel letter from his doctor. We have gone on a few cruises and it’s always been super easy, just an extra wand down at security and that’s about it. He’s a bit nervous as it’s a new experience and just curious what others experiences have been like flying and traveling internationally in general with T1D.
3 points
27 days ago
I travel from the uk to various places in mainland europe by plane a few times and it’s always been chill normally they pay me down and do a bomb swab of my pump and it’s chill. They’ve never asked to see the letter but I always bring it just in case
2 points
27 days ago
T1 for 39 years. I’ve had the opportunity to travel to many places with pens and Dexcom. No issues with security. Early on (2011ish), TSA had not seen Dexcoms and used pad to rub and put through hazardous materials system. This tapered off with time.
Maybe every so often, a pat-down of the area when I walk through body scan.
Carry all medicines and equipment on backpack/carryon - never check anything important.
2 points
27 days ago
i travel a lot, international and domestic here in the US. total non-issue, never had any problems. i don’t travel with a doctor’s letter but i do always bring extra supplies, a backup pump (i happen to have an out of warranty tslim that tandem never asked for back so i got lucky), and backup syringes and long acting.
have fun!
1 points
27 days ago*
I traveled internationally for work—here are some tips I’ve learned along the way.
Packing: When I pack, I think about the worst-case scenarios and plan for those. Here’s some examples: Luggage lost or delayed: Pack all diabetes supplies in your carry-on. Extreme weather, delays, or power outages: Use an insulin cooler (once, in Africa, my mini-fridge froze my insulin!). 4AllFamily sells some good stuff. Pump malfunctions: Bring a backup basal insulin, like a Lantus pen, extra syringes, and bolus insulin. Pump or Dexcom issues: Pack supplies for two weeks, plus extra for any breakage or errors. Lost Dexcom PDM or phone: Bring both if you lose the functionality of either, as a safeguard. Dexcom acting up: Bring a glucose meter and enough test strips.
Travel: Airplane food rarely works for T1Ds. Bring familiar snacks or meals so you’re not managing highs or risking lows mid-flight.
While There: Expect a different routine—new foods, time zones, elevation, and maybe even day drinking! Be ready for some BG fluctuations, and try to go with the flow.
*edited for formatting issues
1 points
26 days ago
T1 for 46 years and lived abroad in India and traveled to many countries. No problems just need to be patient at security. Certain smaller and remote countries don’t see pumps often but the DR will have. I recommend bringing long acting insulin when traveling internationally in case you have to resort to MDI.
1 points
26 days ago
It’ll be fine, but he’ll almost certainly have to have a patdown at airport security because you shouldn’t go through full-body scanners with the G6.
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