Traveling with an Insulin Pump: Best Tips for Women Your guide to packing, flying, dressing, and staying comfortable with ShortEase
Traveling can be overwhelming on its own, but when you’re also managing a tethered insulin pump, things get even more interesting. From explaining your device at airport security to figuring out how to wear your favorite dress comfortably, it can feel like one long logistics game. But with some prep, a few go-to tricks, and the right travel tools—like ShortEase undershorts—it all becomes a lot easier (and way more stylish).
This blog post is your all-in-one guide to flying comfortably, dressing confidently, and staying organized when traveling with an insulin pump. Whether you’re heading off for a weekend getaway or an international adventure, this is everything you need to know.
1. Packing with Purpose: Outfits and Essentials
Before you even open your suitcase, take a minute to think about which dresses make you feel amazing and work with your pump setup.
Maxi dresses with a flowy shape are perfect because they offer space for your pump to hang out discreetly without showing any awkward bumps. Wrap dresses? Yes, please. They let you easily access your pump through the hem or a side seam.
And bodycon dresses might still work if you pair them with ShortEase shorts, especially the inner thigh pocket that keeps your pump snug and out of sight. Always try on outfits ahead of time with your pump and tubing in place so there are no surprises when you land.
Let’s talk underlayers. ShortEase shorts are a travel must-have. They double as undergarments and pump holders with two clever pockets, so you won’t be stuck trying to clip your pump to something that doesn’t exist.
With built-in tubing pass-throughs and zippered hem access, they keep things secure and accessible. Pack at least two pairs so you’re covered throughout your trip.
Use small pouches or zip-up travel cubes to organize your diabetes supplies—infusion sets, chargers, insulin, alcohol wipes—and keep them in your carry-on. Bonus tip: roll your ShortEase into your dress outfits so you always remember to pack both parts of your look.
✈️ Travel Tip: Try packing at least one pump-friendly outfit in your carry-on in case your checked luggage goes on its own adventure.
2. Confidently Clearing Airport Security
Let’s be real: airport security isn’t fun for anyone. Add a medical device to the mix, and it can get even more complicated. But it doesn’t have to be stressful.
Before you go, check TSA’s current guidelines on traveling with medical devices. You can (and should) inform the agent that you’re wearing a pump and request a manual pat-down instead of going through the body scanner. It’s your right.
👉 TSA: Traveling with Disabilities & Medical Conditions
If you’re wearing a dress with your pump tucked into your ShortEase shorts, simply unzip the hem to show the device without needing to lift your dress. That small detail can save you time and awkwardness in the security line.
Keep all your pump supplies in an easy-to-reach section of your carry-on. That means backup sets, insulin, snacks, juice boxes, and a note from your doctor (optional but helpful). Let your pump stay on your body while the rest goes through the scanner.
Remember: confidence goes a long way. Say, “I’m wearing a medical device that can’t go through the scanner. I’d like a manual screening.” Simple, direct, and effective.
For pump-specific guidance:
✈️ Travel Tip: Print out pump manufacturer travel guidelines to keep in your medical pouch—just in case questions arise.
3. Making Long Flights More Comfortable
Long flights are the ultimate test of patience, posture, and pump placement. Here’s how to make it more bearable.
Start with your outfit. Soft layers, breathable fabrics, and easy slip-on shoes are your best friends. If you’re wearing a dress, ShortEase makes it easy to stay comfortable and secure with no slipping, tugging, or tubing loops to worry about.
Keep a pouch of essentials in your seatback pocket—snacks, backup supplies, sanitizer, and anything else you’d hate to need mid-flight and not have. If you can, rotate positions or stand up every few hours to prevent stiffness and avoid putting pressure on your infusion site for too long.
Hydration is key. Airplane cabins are notoriously dry, which can mess with your energy and glucose levels. Sip water regularly, skip the salty snacks, and snack smart.
And yes, it’s totally okay to roll up a sweater and use it as a pillow. Your comfort matters.
✈️ Travel Tip: Use ShortEase’s snug design to stay secure and comfortable—even during long naps or in-flight meals.
4. Why ShortEase Belongs in Every Travel Bag
Between tight packing limits and unpredictable schedules, travel can feel like a puzzle. ShortEase is one of those genius little pieces that just fits.
They’re lightweight, easy to wash, and fit seamlessly under dresses, skirts, or even pajamas. That means one pair can work for sightseeing, sleeping, or dinner out—without needing to constantly reposition your pump.
Their clever pocket placements let you choose what works best for your outfit. The inner thigh pocket is great for fitted clothes, while the front pocket gives more space for loose dresses or longer tubing. And with the pass-through openings, your tubing stays secure and out of the way.
ShortEase also takes the guesswork out of dressing for occasions like weddings, graduations, and travel photos. You get to look great and feel secure, without compromising either.
Whether you’re hopping on a plane or hitting the road, ShortEase is the travel buddy you didn’t know you needed.
✈️ Travel Tip: Pack a second pair of ShortEase to switch into for nighttime comfort when traveling.
5. Real-Life Lessons from the Road
Every trip teaches you something—especially when you travel with a medical device. After hearing from dozens of women who wear tethered insulin pumps, we noticed the same feedback kept popping up: “I just want to enjoy my trip without always thinking about my pump.”
That’s the beauty of having a wardrobe staple like ShortEase.
Whether you’re sightseeing, grabbing brunch, or dancing the night away, the right underlayer can help you focus on making memories instead of micromanaging your tubing. Travelers love how ShortEase stays in place through airport sprints, long-haul flights, and formal events. It gives you the freedom to wear what you want, go where you want, and be fully present wherever you land.
One customer told us she used to change her outfit plans based on where she was flying—saving her “pump-friendly” dresses just for familiar places. But with ShortEase, she now feels confident packing any dress in her closet, knowing she has a discreet and secure pocket option that works.
It’s not just about looking good (though that’s a bonus). It’s about giving women tools that let them move through the world with less friction and more ease.
✈️ Travel Tip: Think of your travel wardrobe as your toolkit. ShortEase gives you versatility without compromise—whether you’re at 35,000 feet or on the dance floor.
Traveling with an insulin pump isn’t always easy, but with a little planning (and the right pair of shorts), it doesn’t have to be hard.
ShortEase was designed to make those tricky moments feel a little more manageable, whether you’re getting dressed in a hotel room or going through security in a crowded airport.
So go ahead and plan that trip. The world is waiting—and now, you’re more than ready to explore it.
Want more tips? Check out our other blog posts on wedding outfits, prom-night pump styling, and how to wear dresses confidently with a pump. Or head to our shop to grab a pair of ShortEase for your next adventure.
This is great information that should be valuable to the T1D community.