Airline restrictions hit insulin users
People with diabetes travelling by air face the prospect
of having to prove they need their syringes and needles while flying if
they are to be allowed to have access to them in aircraft cabins.
New guidelines, issued in the light of the destruction
by terrorists of the World Trade Centre in New York after the hijacking
of passenger aircraft, prohibit the carriage by passengers of sharp objects
in hand luggage.
A Department of the Environment, Transport and the
Regions spokesman said that if airlines were satisfied that a syringe
was needed for a valid medical purpose which could be substantiated then
it would not be removed from the passenger. He declined to give any examples
of what might be used to prove a legitimate medical need, saying that
this was up to individual airlines.
A Diabetes UK spokeswoman said that it was advising
patients with diabetes to get letters from their doctors before travelling
and to expect to have to explain their situation to airport check-in staff.
She added that they should carry any syringes, needles and insulin in
a separate bag and should be prepared for cabin staff to insist on taking
it for safe storage.
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