Yes. Insulin and diabetes supplies are allowed in carry-on and checked bags. Tell the TSA officer you have them; unused syringes must be accompanied by injectable medication, and used ones must be in a sharps container.
Declare insulin and supplies at the start of screening and put insulin in a separate bin for X-ray. Pumps and CGMs attached to your body don't have to be removed, but tell the officer where they are; you can request alternative screening for a disconnected device.
Insulin and supplies are allowed in checked bags. Pumps and devices with lithium batteries should be carried on.
Checked against official TSA, FAA and government pages on . These are US rules unless we say otherwise; the TSA officer at the checkpoint makes the final call.
The rules in numbers
- Insulin: allowed over 3.4 oz in carry-on as a medically necessary liquid; must be declared
- Unused syringes: allowed only together with injectable medication
- Used syringes: in a sharps disposal or similar hard-surface container
- Insulin pumps and supplies must be accompanied by insulin, which must be clearly identified
- Ice, freezer and gel packs for cooling: allowed even if partly melted
Packing tips
- Keep insulin in your carry-on so it stays with you and avoids the cargo hold.
- Tell the officer about your pump or CGM before screening; in standard lanes expect a self pat-down and hand swab, while in PreCheck that's only if it alarms.
- Label your insulin so it's clearly identified, which TSA requires for pump users and which speeds screening.
Outside the US
- UKHypodermic syringes are allowed in hand and hold luggage; liquid medicine over 100ml needs proof of prescription. Source
Flying somewhere else? See the rules for the UK, EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Japan.
Questions people ask
Can I bring insulin pens on a plane?
Yes. Insulin pens are allowed in carry-on and checked bags; declare them at screening.
Do I have to remove my insulin pump at TSA?
No. Tell the officer you're wearing it; it may be checked with a self pat-down and hand test instead.
Can I bring syringes on a plane?
Yes, unused syringes when you also carry the injectable medication, and used syringes in a sharps container.