First time flying tips needed!!

You can bring a carry-on bag that meets the stated dimensions. It must fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bins. You can also bring a purse, which doesn't have to be small, but again, it must fit under the seat in front of you. You're probably going to have to remove your shoes, so wear slip-ons, not lace-ups

I travel with growth hormone that comes in an injectible pen and it must be kept cold, so I keep it in a cold gel pack for travel. I have had different experiences at different airports. Some have scrutinized it with a fine tooth comb (usually smaller airports) and others wave me through without even checking it. You are allowed to bring small amounts of liquids through security. Gah! I could NOT get the link to work right. Just Google TSA Liquids Rule for complete info.

I always bring a bottle of water purchased past the security checkpoint and something to eat, like a small bag of nuts that I packed at home because it's not unusual to get stuck on the runway either during takeoff or landing (or both) for an extended amount of time and I get cranky when I'm hungry.

Pee before you get on the plane or ASAP when you first get on the plane. You will have to have your seat belt fastened at the beginning of the flight and you won't be able to get up. Then once you're in the air, the flight attendants start beverage service and their cart will be blocking the aisle for a long time.

I always bring a pashmina because sometimes it can get chilly on the plane, and/or you can bunch it up and use it as a pillow. DO NOT recline your seat. It annoys the people sitting behind you. (I kid, but not really) 

Bring your Rx for your diabetes supplies. You need to have that with you at all times. Do not pack in your luggage. Ever. It is too dangerous if you get separated from your luggage. My mom took her Enbrel needles with her to Hawaii (which is international and to Europe etc) and was perfectly fine. Make sure you have your Rx with your name on it.

Even if a purse is counted as 1 item, I always put it in my carry on bag, and it's fine.

I always wear shoes that slip on and I wear some sort of socks in case I have to take off my shoes going through security (required if you are not TSA pre-approved). 

Keep your photo ID handy so you can pull it out easily when checking in and when going through security. 

All liquid is 3 oz. or less and must be in a quart sized baggie.  Each carry-on can have one.  I would keep your Rx in a baggie with gel-pack in your purse.  DH has never need his prescription for his insulin but carries it just in case.  Take extra meds in case you are delayed.  We never take our pill bottles, but use the little daily pill containers with a couple extra days worth.  Plus, dollar tree has little ziplock pill bags.  We always carry the pm med for that day in our purse/pocket.

I always carry a small pack of wet-wipes in my purse so I don't have to dig for my hand sanitizer in my carry on. Wipe down that tray table and, I even wipe off the seat belt buckles. 

Kindle is fine, just slip it in your purse, which is a personal item.  Leave as much extra stuff that normally keep in your purse at home. I don't take my big wallet, I use a little compact one for trips. I also don't take my check book with me.

Can't carry in bottled water/drink.  Be sure to get one after you go through security.  Be sure to drink to stay hydrated when you fly.  I agree, use restroom right before boarding plane, though you should have a fairly short flight.  I do not like getting up once the plane takes off. 

Enjoy your trip.

I thought medicine had to be in the orginal packaging, especially prescription? I don't have experience with this since I just bring a bottle of Motrin in my carryon.

I'm diabetic and carry multiple forms of insulin, supplies and pills. I've never shown a prescription for any of it, not even on international flights. Twenty years ago, I did carry things in the original bottles, but since I've never been asked, I don't anymore. I do have a label from the insulin box that I cut down to just the label size, but I'm sure it's expired. But it has my doctor info and pharmacy info on it. I carry my pills in a pill organizer. Make sure you have all valuables and medications in your carry on. If you are asked to check your carry on, then you have it with you. I carry all of my meds and supplies in a separate cosmetic bag. (if there isn't room for it all in the overhead bins, you may be forced to check it.

Medications aren't part of the 3 oz rule. You can keep them separate from shampoo, toothpaste, etc. and they don't need to be in a quart ziplock bag. I have a Kate Spade Cosmetic bag that opens flat and has clear pockets. I put all of my insulin pens, needles, alcohol pads, needle clip, glucometer, etc and pills in that bag. Target has similar bags by the makeup and they work well for travel. I've had it looked at by security, but never more than a cursory look. Insulin pens (or bottles) are well labeled, so I don't worry about it. It's considered necessary and they won't separate you from it by putting it in cargo. They may ask to have you put it in an overhead bin, however. Be sure to take at least a day or two extra meds in case you get stuck and can't get home. Insulin doesn't need to be kept cold if it will be used within 30 days, so I don't travel with cold packs. If you choose to do so, make sure the insulin isn't right up next to the cold pack or it will freeze. The cold pack is classified as a liquid, but is allowed for medical use.

When you are traveling, be sure to check your blood glucose regularly. The changes in diet, meal times, activity level, stress, and being out of your regiment can change your BG numbers. I'll forget to take my meds or forget if I took them because I have a set routine at home and can't always follow it when traveling. If you have lows, I highly recommend that you have some form of quick sugar on your body. Raisins work for me. In an emergency, you can ask the flight attendant for juice (which is what I would normally use), but it may not be the quickest option and then you have too many people watching you as you get the shakes and sweat for 20 minutes! Be sure to drink. High BG from being off your routine and eating other's food, warm temps, and flying will dehydrate you. And then you have a UTI. I carry an empty water bottle and then fill it at a drinking fountain or restaurant after I'm through security. That way I'm not buying a $3 bottle of water that I don't want to drink because it was $3.

Try not to stress out too much. Flying generally goes well for most people. There's always a glitch, but it's usually not huge once you actually think about it. Enjoy the time with your sister!