Security: The Plane Truth

Pharmacists should counsel that airline security personnel, working at heightened levels of security, won?t stop diabetics from carrying their medications onboard, according to the American Diabetes Association, if they adhere to the following Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines:

? Syringes or insulin delivery systems have a professional, pharmaceutical preprinted label clearly identifying the insulin.

? A glucagon kit is intact in its original, preprinted, pharmaceutically labeled plastic container or box.

? Lancets are capped and brought onboard with the glucose meter that has the manufacturer?s name embossed on the meter.

Because of potential forgery, prescriptions and letters of medical necessity are unacceptable.

These FAA requirements apply only to travel within the United States. Each passenger should call the individual airline carrier at least 1 day in advance of travel to confirm any additional restrictions. A passenger encountering security problems should speak with the airline?s Complaints Resolution Official.