My 10 year-old daughter uses an insulin pump, and we are traveling as a family to Italy in June. We are flying out of O'Hare into Zurich and departing Italy from Rome. We fly pretty regularly within the U.S., so we have the whole security process down pat here. We carry all of her supplies on board in a small case, we notify the TSA officers that insulin pump supplies are in that case, and that she is wearing her insulin pump. Is there anything different regarding insulin pumps and airport security that we should be prepared for when travelling internationally, and specifically out of Rome? She handles everything very well, but I would like to avoid any sudden surprises. Thanks!
Posted by
Kamloops, BC, Canada
405 posts
you might consider getting a signed note/certificate from your doctor. Learn some key terms in Italian and German so that you can easily explain what you are carrying. You would expect English to be commonly spoken at both airports, but better to be prepared and avoid waiting for an interpreter, which might not be readily available
Posted by
Calgary
2297 posts
I wouldn't worry about this. Insulin dependant travellers are very common and security personnel know how to deal with them. The only difference from a shorter domestic flight to one to Europe is for you in that you need to make sure that you keep your supplies cool for a much longer time.
Posted by
James, WA, Usa
1 posts
I know that Animas offers a free loaner pump for when you travel just in case something happens (Better to be safe than sorry). All you have to do is call and they will ship it out. Other pump companies might do the same thing if you do not have Animas.
Posted by
OP
Dubuque
9 posts
Thanks for all the helpful advice. She uses a Medtronic Minimed pump, and they also offer loaner pumps. In fact, we ordered one a few days ago. I think we are good to go!