Flying with insulin: hand luggage, security and storage

Flying with type 1 or type 2 diabetes is perfectly possible with a few simple habits. Here is our guide to carrying your insulin in the cabin.

1. Insulin travels in the cabin, never in the hold

The hold can get very cold and frozen insulin can no longer be used. Keep your pens and vials in your hand luggage, in an insulated insulin pen case.

2. Liquids, needles and sensors

Medicines needed during the trip are usually exempt from the liquids limit, provided you can show your prescription. The same generally applies to needles, lancets and glucose sensors. Check your airport's and airline's rules before you leave.

3. Storage during the flight

Follow the leaflet of your insulin: pens in use are usually kept at room temperature for a limited number of days. On long-haul flights or stopovers in hot countries, a Carry Box insulated case helps limit temperature swings.

4. Time zones and injections

Plan ahead with your diabetes team: long flights across time zones may require adjusting your doses. Always carry fast-acting sugar in case of a hypo on board.

5. On arrival

Don't leave insulin in a suitcase in the sun, a taxi or a hot hotel room. Keep it in your case.

See also travelling with an EpiPen and our multicolour case.