Quick Answer: Yes, you can take your insulin and all necessary medical supplies, including needles, on a plane. However, it's essential to comply with airline regulations and Australian border controls when travelling overseas.
G'day, traveller! Getting ready to fly and unsure about taking insulin on a plane? No worries—you’re in the right place! At first, the thought of travelling with insulin might feel overwhelming. From keeping your Insulin cool and at the right temperature mid-flight to navigating airport security with needles and managing your injection schedule across time zones, there’s a bit to think about. But don’t stress—we’re here to make it simple and stress-free!
So, sit back, relax, and let’s get you ready to fly with your insulin worry-free!
- Can you bring insulin and needles on a plane?
- What diabetes supplies are allowed on flights?
- How much insulin can you carry in your hand luggage?
- Do you need a doctor’s letter to fly with insulin?
- How can you keep your insulin cold on the plane?
- Tips for managing insulin on long-haul flights.
- Can insulin be safely scanned at airport security?
- And more!
Related article: Does Insulin Need to Be Refrigerated? Essential Storage Tips!
Bring Insulin on a Plane: What You Need to Know
Let’s start with the basics: Can you bring insulin on a plane? Absolutely!
According to the Australian Department of Home Affairs, which is responsible for airport and aviation security, "you must have evidence such as a letter from your legal medical practitioner, that they are medically necessary for you or a person under your care" if you're traveling with Hypodermic needles such as used for administering Insulin.
It states further more: "We also strongly recommend it for other medical items. The evidence, such as a letter from your legal medical practitioner, should list any prescription and non-prescription powder, liquid, aerosol or gel medication, (for example, ice or gel packs used to regulate temperatures)."
You can bring liquid medications exceeding 100ml on a plane, provided you have a prescription confirming the required amount for your medical needs.
It's crucial to keep your insulin and diabetes supplies in your carry-on to prevent exposure to extreme temperatures in checked luggage and to ensure you don’t lose them in transit.
Do I Need a Doctor’s Note to Fly with Insulin?
As already mentioned above its necessary to bring a prescription and also recommended to carry a letter from your GP or endocrinologist when travelling with insulin. This can make passing through airport security much smoother, especially if you have insulin in containers larger than 100ml or are carrying additional medical devices.
Australian airport security officers may not always request it, especially if you're carrying the standard permitted amount of liquids. However, it’s best to have it on hand to avoid any issues in case of additional checks.
Airlines don’t typically require medical documentation, but it’s a good idea to inform them about your condition and where you’re storing your medication. This can be helpful in case of an emergency or if you need special meal options for diabetes.
How much Insulin can I take on a plane?
There's no strict limit on how much insulin you can take on a flight. However, for any liquid medication exceeding 100ml, you will need to show a prescription or a doctor’s note.
The best approach is to bring enough insulin for your trip, so you can prove that it is only for personal use. Also always bring little extra in case of unexpected delays, theft or lost luggage.
Can I take Insulin Needles on a Plane?
If you're a diabetic and travel with Insulin, you’ll naturally need to carry needles or pens. These are permitted on flights within Australia and internationally, provided they are stored correctly.
To avoid issues at security checkpoints:
- Unused needles should remain in sealed packaging and be carried with your insulin pen.
- Used needles must be disposed of safely in a sharps container or puncture-resistant container.
Tip: Arrive early at the airport to allow extra time for security screening.
Can Insulin Go Through Airport Scanners?
Yes, insulin can safely pass through airport security scanners. Insulin, vials, pens, and needles are all permitted through security screening equipment. It is possible that the security officers issue an additionally manual control, in order to make sure the equipment and the needles are correctly stored.
Depending on your equipment, you can always request a manual inspection, if you're worried about the potential exposure to X-rays.
Insulin Pump Airport Scanner
You should always contact the Manufacturer, or read the manual of your specific Insulin pump in order to make sure it can pass safely through Airport Security screening or needs a manual inspection instead.
Some insulin pump manufacturers advise against exposing pumps to airport X-ray scanners. In any way, if you wear an insulin pump, let the security staff know so they can handle the situation accordingly.
Related article: Can Insulin Pumps Go Through Airport Scanners?
Tips for Flying with Insulin
Wether you're flying within Australia or internationally, packing and storing your Insulin correctly is crucial in order to keep it safe. We prepared the best practices for your hassle-free flight with insulin, what documentation to bring, how to store it properly and ways to stick to your insulin schedule while on the plane.
Can you carry insulin in hand luggage?
The answer is definitely yes! Its even recommended to always carry your Insulin close to you, for easy access and storage control. Cargo holds can experience extreme temperatures, which may damage insulin.
To stay organised, consider using a clear, airtight container to keep everything together and make security screening easier.
How to carry Insulin in international flight
Although Insulin is available in most countries and people worldwide are familiar with it, its very important to check the medication regulations of your destination. Different countries have different rules regarding the import of medicines.
It's essential to always carry your medical documentation with you, and if you're traveling to a non-English-speaking country, we recommend having it translated. To ensure you have enough insulin for your trip, plan ahead by checking whether your specific brand and type of insulin is available at your destination.
The Australian Department of Health and the embassy of your destination can provide guidelines on travelling with insulin.
How to carry Insulin on a plane: All about keeping it cool!
Flying with Insulin is more than just passing it through the Airport security screening. Insulin is very sensitive to extreme temperatures, and storing it correctly is key for keeping it safe and making sure it doesn't go bad.
- Unopened insulin should be kept in a refrigerated travel case at 2°C to 8°C.
- Opened insulin can be stored at room temperature (below 25°C) for up to a month, depending on the brand.
- Travelling to hot climates? A cooling case is a must!
Its important to not just use any cooling case, or a DIY bag, because airlines have strict regulations on the subject.
Related article: How to Travel With Insulin That Needs Refrigeration
Airline-Approved Insulin travel case cooler
Travelling with insulin? Keeping it at the right temperature is crucial, especially during long-haul flights. That’s why 4AllFamily Australia offers a wide range of air-travel-approved insulin coolers and mini fridges, ensuring your medication stays protected and compliant with international airport regulations.
Mini Fridges for Refrigerated Insulin
For insulin that requires refrigeration, these compact travel fridges provide reliable cooling, whether you're flying domestically or internationally:
- Voyager Mini Fridge for Insulin – Keeps up to seven insulin pens chilled for over 30 hours off-grid or indefinitely when connected to a USB power source.
- Nomad Insulin Travel Cases – A perfect solution for travellers needing to refrigerate up to seven insulin pens without relying on electricity.
- Explorer 3-in-1 Insulin Cooler – Designed for extended trips, offering over 52 hours of cooling capacity.
Coolers for Opened Insulin
If your insulin doesn’t require refrigeration but needs to stay within a safe temperature range, these portable cooling options are ideal:
- Chiller Insulin Pouch Cooler – Uses evaporative cooling technology to maintain insulin at temperatures below 26°C for up to 45 hours, completely ice and electricity-free.
- Rambler Small Insulin Pen Case – A compact case that keeps a single insulin pen cool for 12 to 16 hours, perfect for short flights and weekend trips.
- Companion Diabetes Cool Bag – Ideal for carrying up to five insulin pens safely during travel.
Airport Security: Breeze Through with Ease
All 4AllFamily Australia insulin travel cases comply with international aviation security guidelines, making them safe and hassle-free for air travel.
To pass through airport security smoothly when using Biogel cooling packs with your travel cooler:
✅ Ensure the Biogel pack is fully frozen.
✅ Carry your insulin alongside the cooler to prove it's for medical use.
If these conditions aren’t met, we recommend placing your cooler in checked luggage to prevent potential security delays.
Does Flying Affect Blood Sugar?
Yes! Air travel can impact your blood sugar due to changes in routine, stress, altitude, and prolonged sitting. To manage this:
- Check your blood sugar regularly.
- Stay hydrated.
- Carry snacks for unexpected highs or lows.
- Consult your doctor about any needed insulin adjustments.
How to Inject Insulin on a Plane?
Injecting Insulin on a plane is a bit trickier than usually, but no worries with a few extra precautions its pretty easy. Important to know is that cabin pressure changes can affect insulin delivery. So before injection be sure to prime your insulin pen to remove air bubbles.
Need privacy? A blanket or jacket can help.
We’d Love to Hear Your Thoughts! Share your experiences in the comments below. Got questions? Ask away! Let’s help each other travel with confidence.
