Flying With Insulin Pens, Needles and a CGM: What I Put in My Hand Luggage

Before flying to Southeast Asia, I imagined airport security emptying my diabetes supplies across a table while I delivered a nervous presentation called “These Needles Are Keeping Me Alive.”

I prepared doctor’s letters, prescription copies and detailed explanations for every item. Across six flights, security did not ask me a single question about my diabetes equipment.

Almost disappointing after all that rehearsing.

My experience at airport security

My route included airports across Southeast Asia. Insulin pens, needles, sensors and my CGM passed through without drama. Other Type 1 travellers I met reported similar experiences, although one person had her supplies questioned more thoroughly in Kuala Lumpur.

That does not guarantee every journey will be identical. Security procedures, airports and individual staff differ. I still carry medical documentation because it is far better to have it and never use it than need it while your printer sits peacefully at home.

UK guidance permits essential medicines and medical equipment in hand luggage. Rules abroad can differ, so check official guidance for every country and airline on your route.

Medical supplies and baggage allowance are different questions

Being allowed to carry insulin and needles through security does not automatically mean an airline gives you another cabin bag. Baggage size and weight rules vary by airline.

I learned this on a flight to Indonesia when I arrived with a 40-litre and 20-litre rucksack weighing about 15kg between them. I had convinced myself the larger bag would count as medical luggage. The airline disagreed, and I paid roughly £20 to place it in the hold.

Luckily, all insulin, sensors and truly essential supplies were inside my smaller cabin bag. That is now non-negotiable. Checked baggage can be delayed, lost or exposed to unsafe temperatures. I keep the medication I cannot travel without beside me.

What goes in my hand luggage

• All insulin and immediate diabetes medication
• CGM sensors and a backup meter
• Needles and testing equipment
• Glucose and hypo treatments
• Doctor’s letter and prescription copies
• Cooling wallet where needed
• Enough backups to manage a delay

I divide less urgent equipment between bags when practical, but never put my only supply in the hold.

The fear was worse than the reality

Airport security occupied a huge amount of my anxiety before leaving. In reality, it became one of the least eventful parts of the trip.

Prepare for questions, check the airline’s policy and keep essentials in the cabin. Then try not to spend six months rehearsing an argument nobody starts.