Preparing for travel when you are wearing a device calls for some advanced planning.

Before flying 

• Obtain a letter from your health practitioner that documents that you must wear your Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) and insulin pump. 
• Pack enough supplies for your holiday and a few extras. For example, if a CGM sensor malfunctions, be sure to have the contact number of your manufacturer to get a replacement, as the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) subsidy for CGM and Flash GM has a maximum supply limit.  
• Carry all your diabetes supplies in your carry-on luggage. This is not only to prevent loss from misplaced bags but also because luggage stored in cargo can be subjected to extreme temperature changes, which may inactivate your insulin. 
• Carry your NDSS card with you. This will help with your diabetes identification.  
• If you are away from the country for a while, consider a loan pump. Please talk to your pump company about this. 
• Pack both rapid and long-acting insulin pens in case your insulin pump gets damaged. 
• Ask your diabetes team about pump disconnection doses. If you experience a line or pump failure, you must know your pump’s Total Daily Dose (TDD).   
• Visit your CDE before your trip for sick day management and travel suggestions. 

Boarding a flight

• Notify security screeners that you are wearing an insulin pump and cannot remove your CGM. If required, show your medical letter. In addition, your spare CGM sensors cannot go through the airport carry-on luggage x-ray machine.  
• The pump is designed to withstand common electromagnetic interference. As a result, it can be safely carried through metal detectors, but it cannot be exposed to any form of x-rays. This includes airline luggage x-ray machines and full body scanners.  
• Metal detectors and hand wands are safe. Ask airport security staff to physically check you and your luggage before using the x-ray equipment. Security staff must respond to such a request under government agency regulations. If travelling internationally, your insulin pump may be swabbed for explosives. 
• If you go through the full-body scanner, you must disconnect and remove both your insulin pump, sensor, and transmitter. To avoid removing your devices, you should request an alternative screening process that does not use x-ray. 

In the air

• Keep your insulin supplies and hypo snacks close to you, not in the overhead compartment during the flight. This ensures you have snacks on hand in case of hypoglycaemia or delayed meals or snacks.  
• Check your glucose levels more frequently while travelling, mainly when time changes occur. 
• You can keep your receiver on before take-off, in flight and after landing. 
• The airlines request you put your smart device in Airplane Mode. You can do this, but keep your Bluetooth on and you will be able to receive sensor glucose information on your smart device.  
• Cabin air pressure can change during take-off and landing. Talk to your diabetes team about suspending or disconnecting the pump during take-off and landing.  
• Wait until you arrive at your destination before changing the time (and the date if appropriate) in your pump. First, make sure the am/pm is correct.

Bon voyage and have a wonderful trip.  

For general flying tips

Travel checklist

Travel fact sheet (ndss.com.au)  

Pump Company Websites 

AMSL

Medtronic

Ypsomed

Smart Traveller Recommendations 

smartraveller.gov.au/ 

traveldoctor.com.au/ 

travelSECURE

By Karen Jameson Registered Nurse and Credentialled Diabetes Educator 
_{This article was originally published in June 2023}