British Airways

Website Address: www.ba.com

What information, service/products are provided for people flying with diabetes:

As long as your diabetes is stable, then there are no restrictions on your ability to fly.

If you are crossing different time-zones, it is advised that you speak to your doctor/healthcare professional to learn about how to manage your insulin regime. We do not carry refrigerators to store your insulin in. So please seek alternative methods of keeping your insulin cool. All medication that you carry concerning your diabetes should be in identifiable and preferably in its original packaging. Always carry your doctor’s letter with you together with your medication.

Meals are provided on board to customers flying long-haul, Club Europe customers and euro traveller customers.

What information, service/products are provided for people flying with diabetes:

Can I take needles and syringes on the flight?

You are allowed to carry syringes and needles with you in the cabin. To prevent problems on board and at security checks, inform your airline’s reservations department to make a comment in your booking record and carry a medical prescription for the items with you.

Can I take all my medication with me in the hand luggage?

Yes, any medications you will need during your trip and that are labelled with your name may be included in your hand baggage. If you want to take more than 100 ml/3.4 oz of liquid medications as hand baggage, you will have to present a declaration from your doctor during the security check. If you are bringing your injection needles along (e.g. for diabetes) it is important that you also have a statement from your physician as to the medical need for these needles.

Whether or not you should bring medications with you, as well as how much you should bring, depends on how you will be travelling and where you will be staying. If staying only at a hotel and on the beach, for example, a supply of aspirin, plasters and a medication to treat diarrhea should be sufficient. Should you be encountering more primitive conditions, we advise you to take along additional items such as a disinfectant, bandages, a thermometer, tweezers, scissors and something to prevent dehydration caused by diarrhoea.

How can I book a special meal?

You can order a special meal during the booking process at KLM.com or by calling KLM Telephone Reservations up to 36 or up to 24 hours before departure. This may be done only once; making a change later is not possible. Special means are available only on intercontinental flights.

Diabetic Meal – Diabetic meal: rich in carbohydrates, high fibre, low fat, no sugar added.

What information, service/products are provided for people flying with diabetes:

As a diabetic you may maintain your special diet on flights on which food is served, provided that you let us know your requirements at least 48 hours before your departure.

What preparations should I make before my journey?

Consult your doctor before you travel about the quantity and type of your insulin injections.

· In addition, have a precise injection plan drawn up so that you know when and how much insulin you have to give yourself.

· Take with you twice as much medication and material as you need (best of all, one set each in your carry-on and hold baggage), so that in emergencies you always have a reserve to hand.

· On westbound flights across time zones the day gets longer, so you should have an extra meal and dose of insulin. Consult your doctor on that point before your journey.

· In contrast, when flying east the day gets shorter, so it is recommended that you take less insulin. Consult your doctor on this point as well before your journey.

What preparations should I make after my arrival?

· Please note that insulin should be stored at fridge temperature (+2 to +8 degrees Celsius). Without refrigeration it can be transported for up to 24 hours; however it should never be at temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius.

· After the first night in your destination country an additional blood-sugar check and possibly an extra meal with carbohydrates is recommended in order to supply your body with the nutrients it needs.

· In the case of diarrhoea and vomiting you should without fail consult a local doctor. He or she will examine your fluid balance and if necessary adjust your insulin dosage. For this reason it is absolutely essential that you have the documents with you that are needed for treatment in a foreign country. Please talk to your usual doctor or your health insurance company about this.

What meals are provided on my flight?

Passengers who require special food for health, nutritional or religious reasons have a choice of 19 different meals on Lufthansa operated flights.

Please note that special meals are offered in Economy Class on flights of more than 185 minutes duration and in Business Class on flights of more than 65 minutes duration.

Dietary meals

Do I have to order special meals?

Lufthansa offers on all long haul and selected Inner-European flights 19 different special meals. These need to be ordered by the passenger when making his flight reservation (at least 24 hours before the flight or no later than 48 hours for tour groups) either at your travel agency, with one of our Lufthansa Ticket Teams or via the LufthansaServiceCenter. There will be no additional costs for the passenger for this service.

We differentiate the special meals based on special diets, alimentary-physiological and religious reasons.

To the first group belong dietary meals like diabetic, gluten-free, low-cholesterol, low-purine, low-protein, low-sodium, lactose-free and low-calorie food.

To the special alimentary-physiological meals count all vegetarian meals as well as fish dishes, fruit, light whole foods.

Moreover Lufthansa offers kosher food as well as meals suitable for Hindus and Muslims.

Can I take medicines or special food, e.g. baby food, on board with me?

Medicines (e.g. nasal spray, eye drops or insulin) and special food (e.g. baby food and food for diabetics), which will definitely be needed during the flight, may be taken on board. In case of doubt, passengers must prove the necessity of taking such items in their hand luggage (e.g. by producing a receipt or a doctor’s note). Medicines and baby food do not need to be put in a transparent plastic bag, but must be shown separately at security.

Monarch

Website address: www.monarch.co.uk

What information, service/products are provided for people flying with diabetes:

Can I bring medication on board?

Yes but put it in your hand baggage so you have easy access. Any syringes must be covered with a doctor’s note to show at security checks etc. Read more about the latest security restrictions. Please note: Cabin Crew do not have the provision to store any medication in the fridge. Medication bought onto the aircraft must be kept in the possession of the passenger.

Do you offer special meals?

Scheduled flights (flight numbers starting ZB): We no longer offer a special meal service. However there are some healthier options on our menu which may be suitable. These are reasonably priced and can be purchased onboard.

What information, service/products are provided for people flying with diabetes:

Please use the following guidelines to prepare for your trip as a person travelling with diabetes.

Discuss with your doctor the type and number of insulin injections you will need to take when on your trip.

Ask your doctor to prepare a timetable for insulin dosing.

When travelling west you will experience an extra day. Therefore, you need to plan to eat an extra meal or take an extra dose of insulin.

When travelling east you will lose a day. This means that your insulin dose and eating schedule should be reduced.

Please carry a doctor’s letter or medical certificate with you at all times when bringing insulin and syringes on board.

Virgin Atlantic

Website Address: www.virgin-atlantic.com

What information, service/products are provided for people flying with diabetes:

Hi, we can confirm that we do carry a glucose meter in our emergency kit.

If you have diabetes then you do not require medical clearance to fly on any of our aircraft.

However, if you wish to use any medical equipment on board, then please contact us so we are aware of your presence.

• All equipment that you bring on board must have a manufacturer label confirming that it has met testing regulations underUKandUSaviation authority.
• The device must have weight and dimensions to enable that it is suitable for use with safety regulations.
• You must carry a good supply of batteries to power your devices for at least twice the maximum flight duration, to take in account any delays in your journey.
• You must carry a doctor’s note or medical certificate with all your medication.