Type 1 - Connect

Hello , I am travelling by plane on a 6hr flight & was wondering what advice was available for the use of a pump in flight. I have not travelled for a few years but once I travelled a 14hr trip & my pump didn't survive due to air pressure in the cabin. Is it better to use a pen whilst in flight??

Hi Matgaret

I was travelling regularly up to September last year. My pump was ok with no concerns to report. I have a letter regarding my pump from diabetes educated just in case I had any issues with security. How exciting to be travelling again. Sharon 

Hi Margaret,

How exciting to be travelling - hope you have the best time.

If you head to the Diabetes Australia website and search travel, there are quite a few articles for you to have a look at - search here.

There is also an NDSS Fact Sheet on travel which you will find here.

Hopefully some of these help - otherwise I am sure some of our other members have some great advice.

If you need further assistance please call us on 1800 177 055 and one of our health professionals should be able to offer you some more advice.

Thanks, Ange.

Hi Margaret,

I work for a global business and frequently travel domestically and internationally to North America, Asia and Europe. I have had a pump for the last 8 years, using pen insulin etc prior to this while travelling. 

I have seen no issues with a pump on planes that I have been concerned about. In fact, in the past, I could leave my pump in my pocket and walk through security and the metal detector would not even pick it up. The newer scanning tech that is coming into airports does reveal your pump and if you mention that you have an insulin pump in your pocket, security will wipe it for explosive residue and scan you then let you go. Most of the airport security I have met in many countries are very good and there is no problems. The pump has worked for me as well as it does on the ground when in the air. Pressure has not seemed to impact the functioning of the device in my experience.

The pump works fine on the plane even if Bluetooth is enabled to your phone. Just leave your Bluetooth on even in aeroplane mode on your phone.  I have never declared to any airlines that I have T1 diabetes and am carrying a pump, needles etc. I do around 5 international and multiple domestic trips every year and have never had any problems.

Phil 

Hi Phillip

I know you're reply to a post from Margaret. This info is valuable to Mr as I'm travelling internationally for the 1st time for week next week. Thank you kindly for sharing your experiences. It is very welcomed and helpful. 

Sharon