fbpx
Flying with a Type 1 Diabetic Child

This page may contain affiliate links.Β  We only recommend products and services that we have tried, trust and love.Β  For more information, you can read our terms and conditions.

Flying With a Type 1 Diabetic Child

The first time I flew with my T1D, he had only been diagnosed for about a month.Β  I stuffed this duffle bag FULL of supplies.Β  And food.Β  And every single thing I thought I’d need for an extended trip to Florida.Β  My attempt at an insulin cooler was ridiculous!Β  Flying with a Type 1 Diabetic Child can bring on added anxiety and stress.Β Β 

I was prepared, but also not prepared, to fly with my Type 1.Β  I held up the TSA line; explaining, showing, and opening items.Β  I had supplies and stuff everywhere!Β  At the end of the process, I was so annoyed, I just threw everything back in the bag.Β  When we got to Florida, everything was so squished and a heap of a mess!Β  It was a disaster.Β  Β 

Flying with a Type 1 Diabetic Child doesn’t have to be the huge ordeal it’s made out to be, if you have some pointers and know what to expect.Β  We have since flown A LOT and want to share with you the tips I’ve found to be helpful, so you can breeze through that TSA line like a champ!

Vitamins

Whether you choose to wear a mask or not, it is still important to ramp up both yours and your Type 1’s health and immune system a few weeks prior to take off.Β Β 

In the two weeks leading up to hoping on a the plane, I increase my son’s vitamins to include the Olly’s Immunity Vitamins (actually we add these throughout the fall and winter season as well).

I also ramp up my vitamin intake of Zinc, Selenium, and A and B complex, as well.Β 

While this isn’t a necessity, it certainly DOES help both you and your Type 1 to feel good on vacation, but also afterwards!Β 

Planning.

Unfortunately, as a Mom of a Type 1, you now have a lot more things to get in order and plan for besides gathering clothes and any odds-and-ends to go on vacation when you’re flying with a Type 1 Diabetic Child.Β Β 

You will need to give yourself more time and start planning in advance if you’re going on a trip, no matter how long you will be gone.

Β 

First off, I would consider signing up for TSA Pre-Check, if you are U.S. Resident. This cuts down TSA wait times and you don’t have to remove shoes and unpack electronics, etc. You will already have extra things to do for security because of diabetes supplies, and TSA Pre-Check can make it easier on you.Β  This is something that may take a few months to get, so you will need to plan ahead for this.Β Β 

Β 

Things that should be considered when planning:Β 

  1. How many days you will be gone for?Β Β 

You’ll want to give yourself some buffer days and plan for several days of extra supplies.Β  If you are headed out to a beach destination, sand, saltwater, and sweat can be tough on things like insulin pumps and aide in CGMs falling off.Β  A good rule of thumb is to bring 2-3 days of extra supplies per week.Β Β 

2.Β  Check Your Inventory.

Be sure to check your supplies 1-2 months prior to your trip to make sure you have enough for your travels.Β  This includes MDI and Pump supplies, CGMs AND TRANSMITTERS, any patches for medical devices, insulin, BG test strips and ketone strips.Β  Plan your refills accordingly.Β  If you don’t have extra insulin to bring with you, reach out to the Endo’s office and have them push you a new Rx through that will allow you to bring a back up with you.Β  Β 

  1. Get a letter from your child’s Endocrinologist.Β Β 

Reach out to your the Endo a month or two prior to your first trip, it may take them some time to get you the letter, so don’t wait until the last minute.Β  Let them know you and your Type 1 are going on a trip and would like a letter from them.Β  This letter will act as back-up when going through TSA security, if they try to deny you brining things through security.Β  The letter should include the life threatening severity of Type 1 Diabetes, the requirement to bring and have access to juice and snacks at all times, and the authorization of medical equipment and prescriptions.Β 

Β 

Back up to your back up

Plan to bring MDI supplies with you even if your child is on a pump!Β  As you know, there can be several complications – pumps and PDMs could get wet or damaged, lost… you know you need MDI supplies for a just-in-case, but thought I should also list it here as a reminder!

Β 

Type 1 Diabetes Digital Planner T1D

Need some help getting organized?

It’s a fact that our Type 1 Kids require more planning and preparation than most.Β  Keeping track of A1C’s, appointments, and blood sugar are the tip of the iceberg.Β  Finally a digital planner that has EVERYTHING you need to manage your life and your life as a Type 1 Diabetes Mom

Organizing Supplies & Packing

As I mentioned, I have done this part like a hot-mess in the past.Β Β I wanted enough supplies with me (not in a lost suitcase), but did not have a great way of keeping that all together and neat and organized.Β Β 

A few things I’ve learned:Β 

What Can You Bring Through Security?

Despite what you may have been told, you can bring whatever is medically necessary for your Child through security.  So if that means juice, a sandwich, some fruit, crackers, and all your supplies; then you can bring all that through.  You can also bring insulin and a frozen cooler pack in an insulated bag.  

Just know, to make it much easier through security, the juice should be sealed (not opened), and like items should be packed or grouped together.  So the food should be in one bag, the juice/liquids in another.  This will make it easier on you.  That way you can pull out the items that cannot go through the x-ray and separate the items (like the liquids) that they may need to visually inspect easily and not have to rummage through ALL the supplies, like I did the first time we flew!  

Getting Through Security

I find everything goes a lot smoother when you declare you will need a visual inspection because of medical necessity.Β 

My personal preference is to NOT send any Dexcom supplies through the X-ray machine, nor the body scanner.Β  If your Child wears a Dexcom device, you can review their recommendations in Traveling with a Dexcom CGM guide.Β  If you use another CGM, you should check with that manufacturer.Β Β 

By not doing this you should know they will go through your supply bag (which is why we are keeping it so organized), and they will take a little longer.Β  Keeping your supplies grouped together is especially important for this part of your travel.Β  You will still send all of your normal “stuff” through the X-ray machine.Β  If your child wears medical devices, you may be able to walk around the metal detector with your Type 1 Child too (depending on their age).Β  Keep in mind, circumventing any of TSA’s rules and regulations, like bringing liquids through or avoiding the metal detector, will require extra time of you and may result in pat downs and hand swabs.Β 

Pro Traveling Tip

Most airlines will allow you to carry-on your medical supply bag(s) free of charge! That way you can use the overhead compartment for the supply bag and still have room for a travel bag and a personal item. Before you go paying for that carry-on, check with your airlines for their policy on baggage. If necessary, clarify nicely upon check-in that the bag is a medical necessity. It is also helpful to attach a medical tag to this supply bag so it is clear. If you are crafty this is a great home craft project!

Must-Have Travel Items

Looking for some travel solutions?  I seriously could not fly with my Type 1 without these.  Highly loved and worth the investment.  On travel days, there is no peace of mind greater than having everything packed and ready, and knowing it will be a smooth experience.  

Conculsion

The best advice I can give you is to plan early!Β  Give yourself enough time to get the items that will make flying with your Type 1 Diabetic easier, plan your supply needs and pack extra, and give yourself enough time to get through security.Β  The key to a stress-free flight is to be asΒ 

Sharing is caring. Share to your favorite social network.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Shannon Leigh
Shannon Leigh

Shannon is the Mom of a Type 1 Diabetic son who is determined to help other Mom's become confident and in-control of their Child's illness. Finding ways to lessen the burden Mom's feel as the primary caregiver of a Type 1 is her passion. She also loves cooking and creating kid-friendly, low-carb recipes that are yummy and don't impact blood sugar.

Share the love.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Shannon About Us Photo
hi! I'm Shannon!

“No matter where you’re at in your child’s Type 1 Journey, we’ve got the resources, templates, printables, information, amazing kid-friendly low-carb recipes, ideas, tips & tricks, and so much more to make you confident in managing your child’s Type 1”.

Let's Connect!

Blog Categories

Reclaim Your Life

Type 1 Diabetes Digital Planner T1D

Finally a convenient way to stay on top of your everyday life and everything that comes with raising a Type 1 Diabetic Child!

Clear The Clutter

Kitchen Pantry Storage Labels

ACCESS OUR FREEBIES!

.