Travelling by air can be exciting—new destinations, new experiences, new cultures. But for people with type 1 diabetes (T1D), flying brings unique challenges. From navigating airport security with an insulin pump or continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to dealing with cabin pressure and unpredictable meal schedules, there are plenty of extra details to consider.
The good news? With careful planning and the right mindset, you can travel confidently, protect your technology, and keep your blood sugars steady—even at 35,000 feet.
✈ Before You Fly: Preparing for Security
Airports can feel overwhelming, but preparation is your best friend.
1. Pack Smart
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Carry-on only for essentials: Always keep insulin, pens, CGMs, and pump supplies in your hand luggage. Checked luggage can be lost or exposed to extreme temperatures.
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Bring extra supplies: Double (or even triple) what you think you’ll need—sensors, infusion sets, pen needles, test strips, hypo treatments, and batteries. A person traveling with you can carry additional supplies.
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Organise neatly: Use clear pouches or labelled bags so you can quickly find what you need if questioned.
- Carry a Sunflower lanyard. This lets airport staff in all countries of the world know you are travelling with a hidden condition / disability.
2. Travel Documentation
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Carry a doctor’s letter explaining your condition and the medical necessity of your supplies. If someone is carrying supplies with you, they will need a letter too.( I always get mine from my specialist nurse at the hospital as it's free, my GP charges for the letter and I ask they mention my partner will also be carrying supplies with me)
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Keep prescriptions and device manuals handy in case replacements are needed abroad. If you use a pump, make a note of your basal rates, correction factors and bolus calculations / carb ratios.
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Consider having documents translated if travelling to a non-English-speaking country.
3. Communicate Early
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Inform airline staff when booking that you have diabetes. Many airlines provide flexible meal services or allow you to carry extra snacks.
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Let security officers know you’re wearing an insulin pump or CGM before stepping through scanners. A polite, confident explanation often prevents delays. I always wear my kit in a visible spot and find that helps a great deal!
🛂 At Airport Security: What to Expect
Airport screening procedures vary, but most staff are familiar with diabetes devices.
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Pumps & CGMs: These devices should not go through full-body scanners or X-ray machines. Politely request a manual pat-down or hand inspection instead. Metal detectors are olay. Always check with your kit manufacturere before travel as devices can vary. I always travel with my kit visible, as it helps to explain any restrictions and show kit without having to remove clothing etc.
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Insulin vials & pens: Permitted in hand luggage—even liquids over 100ml if they’re clearly for medical use. Keep them in original packaging and packed as per airport requirements.
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Snacks & treatments: Glucose tablets, gel packs, and small juice boxes are generally allowed, though they may require secondary screening.
👉 Tip: Keep calm. Security staff deal with medical equipment daily, and your confidence sets the tone.
🌍 In the Air: Managing Diabetes Tech
Flying isn’t just about security—it’s about managing blood sugars in a changing environment.
Cabin Pressure Effects
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Air bubbles in tubing: Cabin pressure changes can cause bubbles in insulin pump tubing, which may lead to small, unplanned insulin doses.
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Solution: Re-prime tubing after take-off and check regularly.
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I have travelled extensively with my Omnipod and CGM and never had any issues during flights. This sort of thing is very, very rare, but worth being aware of, just in case.
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Insulin stability: Insulin is generally safe in flight, but always inspect for air bubbles before injecting.
Hydration and Meals
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Dehydration risk: Airplane cabins are very dry, which can increase insulin resistance. Drink water regularly.
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Airline meals: Nutritional information is rarely available, and carb counts can be unpredictable. Carry backup snacks you know the carb values for. Generally food bought at the airport or in a shop with have nutritional info as normal.
Blood Sugar Monitoring
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Check often: Jet lag, stress, and unusual foods can throw off patterns.
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CGMs in flight: Work normally, though occasional Bluetooth interference can happen. Keep alarms active, especially on long-haul journeys.
⏰ Time Zone & Routine Adjustments
Crossing multiple time zones can disrupt insulin schedules.
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For basal injections: Gradually shift timing before departure, or adjust doses upon arrival (with your diabetes team’s guidance).
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For pumps: Simply change the pump’s clock to local time as soon as you land.
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Carb counting: Remember that new cuisines may vary—practice portion estimation in advance with apps or visual guides.
🧰 After You Land: Staying on Track
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Reset devices: Update your pump and CGM clocks immediately.
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Monitor closely: Blood sugars may fluctuate for 24–48 hours as your body adapts.
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Restock supplies: If staying long-term, locate a local pharmacy or hospital early.
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Be mindful of activity: Walking more than usual while sightseeing? Factor this into insulin and snack planning.
💡 Extra hacks from an experienced traveller with T1D
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Wear a medical ID bracelet or necklace in the local language.
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Download offline carb counting apps for when Wi-Fi isn’t available.
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Use a cooling wallet (like Frio) to protect insulin in hot climates.
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Pack extra power banks—outlets may be scarce in airports or during layovers.
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Carry a small emergency kit in your pocket in case your bag gets separated.
- Wear a sunflower lanyard in the airports. Purchase one HERE from the Sunflower Scheme.
- Learn to say (or have it written on a handy bit of paper) ''Type 1 Diabetic'' in the language of the country you are visiting.
- Be familiar with where a local pharmacy / hospital can be found.
- Buy a sim card from the country you are visiting and add mobile data to it. This allows your Followers (for dexcom and libre users) to see your CGM data, and allows you to contact the UK or customer suport for your devices as needed without paying huge roaming fees. Some UK sim operators allow data roaming in the EU. I use Lebara which allowes roaming of up to 30gb in India and the EU. See their info HERE .
Air travel with type 1 diabetes may require extra planning, but it should never stop you from exploring the world. By preparing your supplies, communicating with airport staff, and monitoring carefully in flight, you can stay safe while enjoying the journey.
With confidence and preparation, you’re not just travelling—you’re proving that diabetes doesn’t have to set limits. The sky truly is open to you.