Airport Travel Update

Before you head to the airport

Seek advice from your healthcare team or the manufacturer of your devices about whether your equipment can safely pass through body scanners or x-ray machines. This is especially important for passengers using insulin pumps or continuous glucose monitors (CGMs).

At the security screening checkpoint

For safety and security reasons, all passengers departing from major Australian airports are required to undergo security screening.

The screening process at Melbourne Airport for passengers using insulin pumps and CGM devices has recently changed.

Alternative screening options will now be immediately provided for people using these devices, and passengers are no longer required to provide supporting documentation. This includes medical certificates or manufacturer specifications.

When you arrive at security screening, let the screening officer know about your devices and medication. Passengers who advise screening staff that they are wearing an insulin pump or CGM will automatically be offered alternative screening.

The alternative screening process includes:

• Visual inspection of the device
• A full frisk search
• Explosive trace detection (ETD) of both the device and the passenger

Passengers may still choose to undergo standard screening using the body scanner; however, ETD testing of the device will still be required.

This ETD requirement is consistent with procedures for any electronic device that cannot be screened using X-ray or CT technology.

If the insulin pump or CGM cannot be visually inspected or subjected to ETD at the screening point, passengers will be offered private screening for these procedures.

Melbourne Airport is hopeful that removing the requirement for supporting documentation will streamline the screening process and help avoid unnecessary delays.

Please note that other diabetes supplies that cannot be screened using X-ray or CT technology will still require visual inspection and ETD testing, which will be conducted in the passenger’s presence.

Travelling with insulin

For domestic flights, both prescription and non-prescription medications are allowed onboard. International flights have powder, liquid, aerosol and gel restrictions.

Keep in mind that passengers can bring no more than 100ml of liquid onto international flights. However, insulin is exempt from this rule if you provide a letter or other proof of your need for it.

Your GP can provide you with a letter detailing any prescription and non-prescription items (such as insulin, needles or gel packs), as well as your prescription showing your name, the name and type of medication, and your doctor’s contact details. Make sure that the name on the prescription matches the name on your boarding pass. You may also wish to a carry translated letter in the language of your destination, particularly if travelling to more remote areas.

It’s worth checking for any restrictions on prescription medication in your destination country. You may need to apply for a certificate if you are carrying more than a month’s supply of prescription medication.

Consider splitting medication between two bags, so that you have a backup if a bag goes missing.

For more information about travelling with diabetes via Melbourne Airport, visit www.melbourneairport.com.au

You can also find more info about travelling by air on the NDSS website: www.ndss.com.au/living-with-diabetes/driving-and-travel/travel/travelling-by-air/