Expert: Matthew Smith - 3/24/2009

Question
hello Matthew   I was wondering about fluying to las vegas, I am diabetic, do I need a doctors letter for airport security to carry the insulin, and other supplies? I wanted to go first cvlass on delta ,us air or continental because they offer meals and I never flew 1st class and would like to at least 1 time in my life.  thanks hank

Answer
Hank, you shouldn't have any problems with insulin.  It's such a common thing thatthe TSA has standard operating procedures about handling it.  You won't need a doctor's note.  Just keep it all in its original packaging, pull the insulin and supplies out of your carry-on and lay them in their own grey bin for the x-ray and tell the guy at the x-ray or in front of the x-ray that you're sending through insulin.  They'll probably just say something like, "Yep..." as if you've just woken them up.  No problem!

As for flying First Class, you will notice quite a nice difference!  I rarely fly first unless I'm on a long, long trip.  I think you'll really enjoy it.

I'm not sure if I can offer a recommendation about which airline you mention has the best 1st class.  (In fact, I'm probably not supposed to favor one airline or another on this kind of website.)

Have a safe and fun trip, Hank!

Matt