When people ask “what do I need to get through airport security with T1D”, the first answer is usually someone saying “you need a travel letter”!
But without any context or description, this can sound like a complicated document.
Simply, a travel letter is a single page document from your healthcare provider stating your condition, treatment, and supplies you may have with you. It can also state whether or not the medical devices you have can go through X-Ray.
You can obtain a travel letter from either your hospital diabetes team, or your GP. But beware, some GP’s ask for you to pay for this service, while the hospital should print you one off for free.
I was able to get one without even asking as my diabetes team handed them out during my insulin pump training!
Airport security
When you get to airport security, it’s advisable to tell them that you have diabetes supplies, and react accordingly to their requests on how to go through security.
If they try and give you a hard time for any reason, it’s a good idea to keep hold of the letter, and ask them if they want to read it. Don’t put it in on the first tray through the X-Ray and lose access to it immediately!
How they choose to react to this is completely out of your control – some may not even read it, and others can ask you more questions. Stand your ground!
My only experience where I actually needed to hand over my travel letter was in London Heathrow Airport. I had a loaner insulin pump from AirLiquide, and the security man told me he was going to confiscate it (yup you read that right!!).
This was a very bizarre situation, and after being confronted and basically bullied by at least four security men, the supervisor eventually showed up & I was able to go through. To be honest, I have no idea if the letter made any difference, but at least I had it.
If you are ever in this kind of situation, deflect the blame on to the manufacturers. For example “it’s not me, I’m just following the manufacturers advice”. This applies for not wanting to go through the full body scanner, or the X-ray, while wearing my insulin pump. It’s usually enough to get the point across that you’re just a stickler for the rules & they have to offer alternatives e.g., walk through the metal detector, get a full body pat down.
ANYWAY, back to travel letters…
Airlines
Some airline websites can be confusing and state that you need to tell them if you are flying with a medical condition. This is completely up to you on how you want to proceed, because I honestly highly doubt every single person with a medical condition does this, but I could be wrong.
My only experience calling an airline about this was before a long haul flight to Costa Rica. A couple of days before flying, I read on the airport that they wanted a “medical certificate” for those with a medical condition. Of course I entered panic mode, and called their helpline.
I was met with someone who was equally confused as me, but we eventually came to the conclusion that prescriptions are classed as “medical certificates”.
Prescriptions
So good news, if you don’t have a travel letter, bring your paper prescriptions that you get with your supplies when you pick them up from a pharmacy. This should be more than enough proof of your medical condition for airports and airlines.
It’s also a good idea to take this with you in case of emergency when you arrive at your destination, and you may need medical attention. This can help the medical professionals helping you out understand your situation and whatever medications you are on.
In short, bring your prescriptions, a travel letter if you can get your hands on one, all of your lovely diabetes supplies & ENJOY!!!
Don’t let the unnecessary stress of an airport put you off – you are one person out of MANY and they’ll forget you even existed as soon as you are through the other end! So don’t waste time or energy remembering all about them!
Thank you for reading, and I hope you’re travels go smooothly.
Love, Lydia x
LYD1A KERR 
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