Ah, traveling with diabetes. Such a fun little bugger.
I've taken about 4 plane trips in my life, and this Friday I will take my 5th. I've traveled alone 2 of those 4 times, and will be with my husband on this upcoming trip.
My trips have all been less than a week, so my packing usually isn't too extensive. Pump sets and reservoirs, test strips, insulin, quick-serter, alcohol pads, and glucose tabs all make their way into my bags. After 10 years, I've gotten pretty good at packing with diabetes, and I rarely forget something major these days.
What makes me the most nervous about air travel is the security. Now, I know I have nothing to hide. I'm a diabetic, not a terrorist. But the trip through the security checkout is always nerve wracking. I've always taken my pump off through the check point. For me, the 5-10 minutes without insulin is worth not creating a fuss and initiating a pat down. I've never been given any hassle about anything at the check point, and only once just about went through with my cell phone still in my pocket.
I suppose it's the fact that me and my belongings are being scrutinized so carefully that makes me nervous. I'm a 'keep to myself' kind of person. I like to just be left alone. The more a travel, the less nervous I get, especially when I have someone else with me. But still... :-/
I am definitely looking forward to the trip though. We're flying out to my parent's home, to see my brother graduate high school, and spend a few days doing some much needed catching up. I haven't seen any of my family in 5 months, so I'm excited to go. My husband and I are also going down to where we're flying out of a day early, to get a hotel room and do a little relaxing of our own. ;-)
So how do you handle flying with diabetes? Any tips and tricks to share?
I haven't been stopped for diabetes supplies in YEARS. Even after 9/11 they know what's up. They just ask what's in my pocket and I say my pump. Sometimes I put it in my bra to avoid all drama.
ReplyDeleteI used to let my pump hang out, and would get through security w/o problems. Recently, TSA changed their policy and they're do a search through ALL of your belongings AND give you a thorough pat-down if they see the pump. Now, I hide it to avoid the drama. :)
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