Advice for diabetic passenger

[starbuck123]

Hi folk
Another question from good old starbuck but of more serious nature. I have done several searches on this site to find the answer but drawn a blank. My parents are due to fly out with Virgin Atlantic soon to Florida and my Mother is diabetic. As this will be the longest flight she will have been on since having this she is slighty concerned about the storage of her insulin as this has to be kept cool. The travel agent have advised her to contact the airline to inform them (which she has) but it would appear there are no Fridges on board? Can anyone advise of the best course of action and what normal procecdure is, as its very important she takes this. Obviosuly she has all the doctors notes you can think off to get through security etc etc. General advise and guidence would be much appreciated and to stop her from worrying so she can enjoy the holiday!
Thanks

[west lakes]

Check the instructions in the packs, you will find it is often OK up to 20C
Pack it in a plastic bag as with liquids for security, and put that in another waterproof bag, crew will give her ice to keep it cool.But do NOT allow ice to touch the vials directly (freezing it is worse than it getting a bit warm)(I also put spare needles etc. in same bag)
Check your local chemist some sell purpose made cool bags for insulin etc.

do not put anything in checked in luggage everything in hand luggage

Do not order Diabetic meals - they are not suitable for insulin dependents, carry some biscuits in hand luggage as well.

Flown to the states twice, no problems

[scudpilot]

My partner is type 2 diabetec, and we are travelling long haul in about a month... will be packing some fresh Orange Juice in our hand luggage...:ok:

[Dropline]

You probably won't be allowed to take the fresh orange juice through security... either take oranges in your hand luggage or buy the juice once airside...

[raffele]

You probably won't be allowed to take the fresh orange juice through security... either take oranges in your hand luggage or buy the juice once airside...

I was going to mention this, and also suggest that they intend to take it on in 100ml quantities but thought it was too obvious.

If you're flying longhaul, depending on the airline there will probably be orange juice onboard too...

[Yay!!!]

Just keep the orange juce, you just dont know if they'll cut corners somewhere in these kind of economic times.

[starbuck123]

Thankyou all for the info provided. We have already sorted most of the arrangments out but if anyone has any othe tips please do let me know.

Thanks

[Dropline]

Going back to the OP, most airlines these days are used to dealing with diabetic pax, and I'm sure Virgin will be no exception. If you keep all your medication, insulin etc packed in a separate bag, preferably a small insulated cool bag, I am sure you will have no problems either at security (keep the doctors letter etc handy) or on board. There may not be fridges on board, but there will be ice, although a cool bag should do the job perfectly well. Make sure you take more medication than you actually need for the duration of the flight, in case of any delays. I have also noticed that many diabetic pax prefer to take their own food, or at least some snacks on board, so they can eat whenever they feel they need to.
Hope this helps.

[radeng]

Most insulins are OK for several weeks at up to 25 deg C. As westlakes said, don't freeze it by placing ice against it. I don't bother with any special precautions. The only place I've had problems was transiting Bangkok. How much insulin have you got? Why have you got this much (I'm away for a month) Why do you take insulin? (for fun! - why do you think?) How often do you take it? How much do you take? What flight did you arrive on? What flight are you leaving on? Why are they the same flight number?What is your passport number? Then, having got passport in hand, 'What is your name?'

I find BA's diabetic meals as OK as any other airline meal.

[JonF]

FRIO :: Home (http://www.friouk.com/)

I recommend these:ok:

[SLF3b]

In my experience the overhad lockers are generally much cooler than the cabin - certainly less than 20°C. Put it in there.

I have an insulin dependent friend who is quite frail but flies regularly with no problems. He is very careful what he eats, does not rely on airline meals.

[starbuck123]

Hi folks

Another question. Will the security people allow food and drink through for a Diabetic passenger? My mum always carries biscuits and a small bottle of lucazade in her bag. Will these be allowed through?

[redsnail]

I doubt the lucozade will be allowed through as you can buy another bottle "on the other side" of security.

Biscuits are fine.