TSA Rules for Diabetic Supplies: What You Need to Know Before You Travel

Quick answer: You're allowed to bring diabetic supplies through the TSA and on the airplane. This includes insulin, syringes, injectable medications, and diabetic devices like pumps and CGMs. Follow TSA guidelines and pack your supplies properly for a smooth, stress-free screening process.

Traveling can be stressful, but for people with diabetes, it comes with extra concerns. From packing insulin correctly to navigating TSA rules for syringes and injectable medications, getting through airport security with medical supplies can feel overwhelming.

But here's the good news: TSA allows diabetes supplies on the plane, and you're protected by law to carry the items you need for your health. The key is knowing the rules and being prepared.

In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to fly with insulin, injectable diabetes medications, like Ozempic, Mounjaro and Trulicity, and other diabetes-related supplies. Whether it's your first flight or you're a seasoned traveler, this article will help you avoid delays and feel confident at airport security.

Related article: The Ultimate Checklist for Traveling With Diabetes!

TSA Regulations for Diabetic Supplies: What You Need to Know

If you have diabetes, you can bring your medical supplies with you through TSA screening and onto the plane. TSA officers are trained to handle medical needs, but you may still have to explain what you're carrying.

According to the official TSA website, you're allowed to bring the following diabetes-related items in your carry-on bag:

✔️ TSA-Approved Diabetic Supplies:

• Insulin in any form (vials, pens, etc.)
• Insulin pen needles and insulin syringes
• Glucagon emergency kits
• Blood glucose meters and test strips
• Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and insulin pumps
• Preloaded syringes (used and unused) 
• Preloaded injectable medications (such as Ozempic)
• Sharps disposal containers (small ones)
• Lancets (with proper labeling or in original packaging)
• Cooling cases and gel packs to keep insulin cold
• Juice boxes or glucose tablets (for treating lows)

💡Pro tip: Always keep your medications in your carry-on bag, not in checked luggage. The cargo hold can get too hot or too cold, which could damage insulin and other medications.

Related article: The Ultimate Guide to Traveling with Ozempic: Best Travel Cases, Storage Tips, and Flying Guidelines.

Do I need a doctor's note to fly with insulin and other diabetes supplies?

You don't need a doctor's note to bring insulin, diabetes injections, syringes, or injectable medications through TSA. However, having a travel letter from your doctor can make the process smoother, especially if you're traveling internationally or carrying a larger quantity of supplies.

Do I need a medical certificate to travel with diabetes supplies?

No, TSA does not require a medical certificate to bring your diabetic supplies on the plane. You can carry insulin, syringes, pumps, and other related items without official documentation.

That said, it's a good idea to keep visible prescription labels on your medications and devices. This helps TSA agents quickly recognize that your items are for medical use and can speed up the screening process.

💡 Bonus tip: While not required, carrying a diabetes travel letter from your doctor can be helpful, especially if:

• You're carrying a larger supply of medications
• You're flying internationally
• You're concerned about explaining syringes or devices
• You want extra peace of mind

The letter should briefly explain your diabetes diagnosis and list the medications and medical devices you're traveling with. Having this letter can make things easier if you encounter an inexperienced or overly strict security agent.

Related article: Travel Insurance for Diabetics, What You Should Know Before Departure!

Do I need a TSA diabetes notification card?

No, you're not legally required to have a TSA notification card-but it can be helpful.

TSA offers a Notification Card for individuals with disabilities or medical conditions, including diabetes. You can fill it out and hand it to a TSA officer during screening to discreetly alert them about your condition.

It's especially useful if you:

• Prefer not to explain your condition out loud
• Use a CGM or insulin pump
• Are carrying injectable medications or devices

TSA rules for traveling with diabetic supplies and injectable medications

Can you take injectable drugs and diabetic supplies on a plane?

Yes! You can bring your injectable medications and diabetic supplies, such as insulin, Ozempic, Mounjaro, Victoza, Byetta, Glucagon, and others, in your carry-on, even if they are in containers greater than 3.4 ounces.

You have the right to carry your insulin on flights, whether contained in vials, cartridges, injectable pens, or prefilled syringes.

💡Pro tip: Keep the labels visible so the security agents can easily and quickly identify your medications.

Related article: Essential Guide to Traveling with Mounjaro: Safe Transport, Storage Tips & Best Travel Cases

TSA rules for insulin pens, vials, and syringes

Insulin pens and vials are permitted on the plane, along with the syringes or pen needles you need to use them. You should:

• Keep syringes capped and in their original packaging.
• Store vials upright and in a hard-sided case.
• Label everything clearly to avoid confusion at security.

If your insulin needs to be kept cold, TSA allows gel packs, freezer packs, and insulated bags, even if the packs are partially melted. Just let the agents know what they are and why you need them.

Related article: How to Keep Insulin Cool on a Plane?

Can you take diabetic lancets on a plane?

Yes, but there are some precautions. TSA allows lancets as long as they're:

• Used for diabetes care
• Packaged with your glucose meter or test kit
• Capped and secured to prevent injury

To be safe, keep your lancets in their original container or inside a labeled diabetes kit.

Related article: The Ultimate Guide to Traveling with Insulin: How to Keep It Refrigerated and Cool on the Go

Keeping diabetic supplies safe and TSA-ready

Before the security checkpoint: Organize your supplies

Packing your diabetes supplies clearly and organized helps airport security go much faster. Here are a few tips:

✅ Use a separate medical bag or pouch for all diabetes-related items.

✅ Label your bag "MEDICAL SUPPLIES" or include a tag.

✅ Place liquids and gel packs in an easy-to-reach section of your carry-on.

✅ If using a pump or CGM, bring backup supplies in case of device failure during travel.

Related: The 10 Best Diabetic Snacks on the go for Travels and Road Trips!

What Should Go in Your Carry-On vs Checked Bag?

Always pack all critical diabetic supplies, including insulin, injectable medications, monitors, and snacks to treat lows, in your carry-on bag.

Checked luggage can be delayed, lost, or exposed to extreme temperatures. You can pack backup supplies like extra test strips or lancets in your checked baggage, but your primary items should always stay with you during travel.

TSA screening process for diabetic travelers

Navigating airport security with diabetes supplies can feel nerve-wracking, but knowing what to expect can ease the process. Once you approach the TSA checkpoint, let the officer know immediately that you're traveling with medical supplies.

You can say something like, "Hi, I have diabetes and am carrying insulin, a CGM, and syringes. I'd like to request a manual inspection for my devices." Most TSA agents are trained to handle these requests respectfully.

💡 Remember, you can also hand the agent a TSA Disability Notification Card or your Diabetes Travel Letter if you don't feel comfortable speaking in public about your diabetes supplies.

What to expect at security:

• Not all insulin pumps and CGMs can go through X-ray machines or full-body scanners. You can request a manual pat-down instead.
• Liquid medications (like insulin, Ozempic, Mounjaro. Trulicity, etc.) and sharps (like syringes) may be inspected separately, but will not be opened.
• TSA agents may swab your hands or device for explosives as part of a standard procedure.

If you're wearing an insulin pump or CGM, avoid walking through full-body scanners or X-ray machines unless your device manufacturer explicitly states it's safe. Most pump and CGM makers recommend requesting a hand inspection instead. You can remove the device and place it in a separate bin, or leave it on your body during a pat-down.

TSA should never force you to remove your device. If you're unsure, we recommend checking your pump or CGM manufacturer's TSA guidelines before flying.

Want a detailed breakdown of which airport scanners are safe for insulin pumps and CGMs? We have a detailed article that explains which machines to avoid and how to keep your diabetes technology safe during airport security. Check it out here: Can Insulin Pumps Go Through X-Ray Machines & Airport Scanners at Security?

Quick Tips for Flying with Diabetes Supplies

Here are our top tips to keep your diabetic supplies safe, cool, and organized before flying: 

1. Pack insulin and injectable medications in your carry-on, not in checked luggage.
2. Use a TSA-approved insulin cooling case 
3. Bring double the supplies you think you'll need in case of delays or lost items.
4. Carry backup prescriptions in case you need a refill while traveling.
5. Keep medication in original packaging with pharmacy labels attached.
6. Download a diabetes travel checklist or print one out before you leave (we have one here).

Ready for takeoff: final thoughts on TSA and diabetes supplies

Preparing for a trip when you have diabetes might take a little extra work, but it's absolutely doable. Your health and peace of mind are worth it!

With the proper preparation and TSA knowledge, you can enjoy your travel experience and stay safe and healthy.

Key Take Aways: 

Here's a quick recap of what you need to know before heading to the airport:

✈️ You Can DIabetes Supplies: TSA allows diabetic supplies like insulin, syringes, CGMs, and even liquid medications over 3.4 oz in your carry-on.

📦 Pack Smart: Keep everything clearly labeled, in original packaging when possible, and stored in a designated medical bag.

🧊 Keep It Cool: Use TSA-approved gel packs or cooling cases for insulin-partially melted packs are okay with an explanation.

🛂 Request Manual Screening: Ask for a pat-down if you wear a CGM or insulin pump, and avoid putting devices through X-rays or scanners.

We'd Love to Hear From You!

💬 Have questions about traveling with diabetes supplies or dealing with TSA? Share your experience below! Whether it's your first flight or your fiftieth, we'd also love to hear your tips and stories that can help others feel more prepared and confident. Let's support each other!

📆 Article Update History:

✅ Updated: April 17, 2025

Originally Published: September 4, 2021