Going through Customs with diabetic stuff
 

I am flying to Sydney next Tuesday, via Bangkok and Dubai, from Gatwick, England, to Validate my Visa!!
It does sound good to say that! Also to see son, his wife, 4grandchildren, my sister and her husband and 8 nephews and nieces.

My question is - has anyone with diabetes been through Customs recently? If so, could you advise me how to pack/present the diabetes stuff. I have the required letter from doctor to say I need to carry needles and insulin, etc. in hand baggage. I presume I have to put the insulin (as it is liquid) in the 20cm x 20cm transparent bag. What about the needles, injection pen(s), fingerprick blood testing equipment etc. They won't all fit in the bag as well! Can I just carry them in my hand luggage as I shall need to use them on the flight? Or is something special required? Thanks for any advice.

Re: Going through Customs with diabetic stuff
 

Your best bet is to contact the airline direct and see what they advise.

Trish

Re: Going through Customs with diabetic stuff
 

Re: Going through Customs with diabetic stuff
 

With my daughter's "kit", we put the insulin pen, extra insulin and any other liquids and gels (such as Hypostop) in the clear plastic bag and then put that in a small insulated bag before/after they've examined it. We put all the other paraphernalia in a separate bag so it is easy for them to look at it if they want to. We carry a letter from her consultant which lists what medication she is travelling with and confirms that it is necessary for her to have access to the medication during the flight. Most of the time they don't want to see her kit and in all the time she has been diabetic (6 years) I have only been asked for the letter twice.

We've done quite a few long haul flights since the new regulations came in last year and there has never been an issue about her having all her diabetic kit in her hand luggage. One thing, however, is that we always used to put an ice block in the insulated bag, but last time we flew through the UK the security person at Heathrow suggested that it might not be such a good idea as they couldn't examine the contents and that when it defrosted it might be considered a risk. She didn't take it off us though.

Provided you have the letter from your doctor, I'm sure you'll be fine.

Re: Going through Customs with diabetic stuff
 

Thank you very much.