Roberta Aguirre
Travelling with a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) can be a stressful experience, but with proper preparation, it is possible to go through airport security with your device. Here are some key considerations: firstly, notify the TSA officers about your CGM and any other diabetes-related supplies. You may also need to provide proof that your device has been prescribed by a healthcare professional. You can wear your CGM during the security screening process, but certain devices should not be X-rayed. It is recommended to keep your supplies in a separate bag within your carry-on luggage for easier access during screening.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Should you inform TSA officers about your glucose monitor? | Yes, inform the TSA officers about your CGM and any other diabetes-related supplies before going through the screening process. |
| Do you need to carry a letter from your healthcare provider? | Yes, carry a letter from your healthcare provider explaining the medical necessity of your CGM and related supplies. |
| Can you wear your glucose monitor while going through the security screening process? | Yes, you can wear your CGM while going through the security screening process. |
| Do you need to remove your insulin pump and CGM? | If you prefer to go through an airport body scanner, remove your insulin pump and CGM, but do not send them through the X-ray machine. |
| Can you request an alternative screening process? | Yes, you can request a pat-down screening if you prefer not to go through the metal detector or advanced imaging technology. |
| Can you carry insulin through airport security? | Yes, you can carry insulin through airport security, but it must be clearly identified and accompanied by insulin pumps and supplies. |
| Can you carry lancets through airport security? | Yes, you can carry lancets through airport security as long as they are capped and carried with your glucose meter with the manufacturer's name embossed on it. |
| Can you carry syringes through airport security? | Yes, you can carry unlimited unused syringes when accompanied by insulin or another injectable medication. |
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What You'll Learn
Glucose monitors and insulin pumps
If you are travelling with a glucose monitor or insulin pump, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States recognises the medical necessity of diabetes-related supplies, including continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). You can wear your CGM while going through the security screening process, but it is recommended that you inform the TSA officers about your CGM and any other diabetes-related supplies before the screening process. This helps them understand the medical necessity and can make the process smoother.
You can also request a pat-down screening if you prefer not to go through a metal detector or advanced imaging technology. If you are wearing a pump or CGM, you may be able to go through the metal detector without disconnecting, and you can always ask for a pat-down and visual inspection instead. You should not send your devices through the X-ray machine, but most insulin pumps and CGMs can be manually checked by a TSA officer.
It is a good idea to carry a letter from your healthcare provider explaining the medical necessity of your CGM and related supplies. This documentation can be useful if you encounter any challenges during security screening or need to explain your medical condition to airline staff. If you are travelling with insulin, it should be clearly identified and accompanied by the necessary supplies. Insulin should be stored in a medically approved cool bag and should not be placed in checked luggage, as it could be affected by severe changes in pressure and temperature.
Finally, consider how you will manage your blood glucose levels while travelling. It can be helpful to pack healthy snacks and plan your meals in advance, as it is more challenging to regulate what you eat when you are not in complete control of the preparation. It is also important to stay well-hydrated, especially during flights.
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X-ray and hand inspections
It is important to note that not all diabetes technology can safely go through X-ray machines or security scanners. Insulin pumps and CGMs should be carried with you and manually checked by TSA officers. You can request a pat-down screening if you prefer not to go through a metal detector or advanced imaging technology. This can be done by a Passenger Support Specialist or a Supervisory TSA Officer.
If you are travelling with insulin, it must be clearly identified and accompanied by insulin pumps and supplies. Insulin in vials and cartridges can go through the X-ray with the rest of your hand luggage. However, it is recommended not to store insulin in checked luggage, as extreme changes in pressure and temperature may affect it.
To make the process quicker and easier, you can keep all your diabetes supplies in a separate bag within your carry-on luggage. This way, you can take them out and carry them with you while the rest of your luggage goes through the scanners. Using a clear plastic bag can also help make the process smoother.
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Diabetes supplies and medication
If you have diabetes and are travelling with diabetes supplies and medication, there are a few things you should know. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States recognises the medical necessity of diabetes-related supplies and allows you to bring them through the security checkpoint. However, they will need to be X-rayed or hand-inspected. Here are some important tips to keep in mind:
Inform the TSA Officers
Let the TSA officers know that you are carrying diabetes supplies and medication before the screening process. This helps them understand the medical necessity of your items and can result in a smoother experience. You may also want to carry a letter from your healthcare provider explaining the necessity of your CGM and related supplies.
Insulin and Syringes
Insulin pumps and supplies must be accompanied by insulin. Insulin in any form or dispenser must be clearly identified. You can carry preloaded dispensing items such as syringes or pens, and unlimited unused syringes when accompanied by insulin or another injectable medication. Make sure to carry your insulin in a medically approved cool bag, as security staff may not accept it otherwise.
Glucagon and Lancets
Similar to insulin, you may carry your glucagon in its original, pharmaceutically labelled container through airport security. You can also carry capped lancets with your glucose meter, which should have the manufacturer's name embossed on it.
Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs)
You can generally wear your CGM while going through the security screening process. However, if you are wearing a pump or CGM, check with the manufacturer, as some devices should not be screened by X-ray or security scanners. You may request a pat-down screening if you prefer not to go through the metal detector or advanced imaging technology.
Food and Snacks
It is important to maintain your blood glucose levels while travelling. Bring nutritious snacks such as nuts, seeds, jerky, fruit, granola bars, dried fruit and crackers with peanut butter or cheese. If you experience low blood sugar, keep a sugary snack and a hypoglycaemia kit with you on the plane. If you encounter high blood sugar, pack low-carbohydrate, low-sugar snacks. Stay well-hydrated, especially during flights, and carry an empty reusable water bottle to refill at the terminal.
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Liquids and gels
Liquids, gels, and aerosols are restricted items when passing through airport security. The general rule is that liquids must be in containers with a capacity of no greater than 100ml. These containers must be placed in a transparent, resealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity of 1 litre. Liquids that are required for medical purposes or special dietary requirements are exempt from these restrictions.
The plastic bag must be clear and resealable, and all liquid containers must fit inside it. This includes beverages, non-solid foods (such as yoghurt, pudding, peanut butter, and jam), and personal care items such as perfume, lotion, and toothpaste. Duty-free liquids purchased outside of the United States must be packed in checked baggage if they exceed 3.4 ounces or 100 ml. However, duty-free liquids purchased internationally and brought to the United States on a connecting flight are allowed in carry-on baggage.
Food items that are normally liquids or gels but have been frozen solid will not be permitted through security in carry-on baggage. For a food item to be considered a solid, it must be solid at room temperature. Solid foods containing small amounts of liquid (e.g. canned tuna) are allowed as long as the total liquid volume is less than 100 ml. These items must be placed in the same clear, closed, resealable 1-litre plastic bag as other liquid, food, or personal items.
There are some exemptions to the liquid restrictions. Baby food, milk, liquid formula, water, and juice are allowed in quantities greater than 100 ml for infants under two years of age. Breast milk is also allowed in quantities exceeding 100 ml, regardless of whether the infant is travelling with the passenger. Prescription and essential non-prescription medications, such as gel-based nutritional supplements, saline solution, and eye care products, are also permitted. COVID-19 test kits are allowed without restriction in both carry-on and checked baggage.
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Screening alternatives
If you prefer not to go through the metal detector or advanced imaging technology, you can request a pat-down screening. You should not be asked to remove your medical device during the pat-down. If you are travelling with a child who is wearing a CGM, it is important to inform TSA Cares ahead of your travel date about your need for an alternative screening process. Security checks and pat-downs for children have to be supervised, and calling ahead may save you time at the airport.
If you encounter difficulties at security, you can ask to speak with the TSA Ground Security Commissioner or the international equivalent. You can also request that the scanner be switched off so that it doesn't affect your technology.
If you are wearing a pump or continuous glucose monitor, check with the manufacturer. You may be able to go through the metal detector without disconnecting.
If you need assistance with screening, you may ask for a Passenger Support Specialist or a Supervisory TSA Officer.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, but it is advisable to inform the TSA officers about your CGM and any other diabetes-related supplies before going through the screening process.
Here are some recommendations:
- Carry a letter from your healthcare provider explaining the medical necessity of your CGM and related supplies.
- Carry your insulin pump and CGM with you and do not send them through the X-ray machine.
- If you are travelling with a child who is wearing a CGM, call TSA Cares ahead of your travel date and inform them about your need for an alternative screening process.
People with diabetes may take their insulin, other medications such as Glucagon, Smylin, and Byetta, and other liquids and gels, including juice and cake gel, through TSA checkpoints, even if they are in containers greater than 3.4 ounces.
Here are some suggestions:
- Allow at least one hour to go through security in case your luggage or type 1 tech needs to be checked.
- Carry an empty reusable water bottle through security and refill it once inside the terminal.
- Pack a variety of healthy snacks to keep your blood sugar stable.
