I've travelled with diabetes before. I've travelled with syringes and insulin and lancets and all that junk. It's kind of old hat. Though I absolutely DESPISE being called out for an extra search simply because of my pump.
In a couple of weeks I'll be travelling internationally for the first time with diabetes. (Now that I think about it, I think I was in high school the last time I was out of the country period.) So while technically this trip is international because I'm leaving the United States, it's sort of pseudo-international because I'll be in Toronto, Canada, which is like a hop, skip and a jump from Detroit. (And like a five hour plane ride from Phoenix!)
So, I've flown since 9/11 and I've flown since the introduction and retraction of all the anti-terror rules, but never internationally. I'll be gone less than 72 hours, so I plan to carry on my suitcase. Which means everything I'll need will be under more scrutiny. I keep my insulin cold even after it's open, so now I'm wondering what the rules are for ice packs and insulin bottles. And then I remember that I'll be gone less than 72 hours and as long as my pump's reservoir is full I should be golden. Except then I remember that I should plan for the unexpected...
Thinking about travelling with all the supplies needed to maintain a healthy balance can be overwhelming. And I'm only going to be gone for two and a half days! But I'll be in and out of workshops while I'm in Canada and I'm not sure what my meal schedule will be and I really don't want to shell out $20 for a juice in the airport because I can't take it through security.
So I'm off to check the TSA web site so I can be up to date on all the new rules so I don't break any and so I know what to expect when I get to the airport. It's a hassle, for sure, but man am I looking forward to the weather!
I travel international quite a bit and the key is to take a note from the doctor (stating that the medication, supplies and needles are required to be with you due to medical necessity). In most North American airports it is not an issue, but can be if you end up in an airport where you have a language barrier. I am always sure to have a piece of paper with the translation for any countries I will be in that says "I am diabetic and must keep my medication with me. I have brought just what I need for my visit and in case of emergency."
Also, I would plan an extra 30-45 minutes to get through security (especially if you are carryon only.
For low sugars, I skip the juice and carry glucose tabs. You are right, the juice will not make it past security!
Good luck and have a great trip!
I travel to Ecuador,South America, couple years ago, with all my diabetic supplies and vials of insulin in my small cooler. I did not have any problems going in or out of the country wtih my "baggage" longest I show them my doctor's letter that certified I was a diabetic. However, some of the hotels, I stayed in did not have a small refrigerator in the room and I had to either storage my insulin in the hotel's kitchen or get ice for it to stay with me in my room. Overall, my trip was very pleasant and I had a lot of fun. While I was in Ecuador, I saw the most amazing natural event: a volcano's eruption and the rain of ashes de next several weeks all over the city. People had to wear facial masks to walk around the city. Although, I was staying in the next town, at night the sky lighted up like it was on fire. It was an amazing sight!