Owais Crawford
Travelling with diabetes can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially when your medication includes insulin pumps and other sensitive equipment. While it is possible to take insulin pumps through airport security, you may be required to undergo additional screening. It is important to inform the security officers about your insulin pump and any other equipment before the screening process begins.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can insulin pumps go through airport security? | Yes, but they are subject to additional screening. |
| Do I need to inform airport security about my insulin pump? | Yes, inform the officers about your insulin pump and where it is located on your body before the screening process begins. |
| Do I need to remove my insulin pump? | No, you will not be required to remove your insulin pump. However, you may be asked to conduct a self pat-down of the insulin pump, followed by an explosive trace detection sampling of your hands. |
| Can insulin pumps go through X-ray machines? | Insulin pumps can go through X-ray machines. However, you can request a visual inspection of your insulin and other diabetes supplies instead. |
| Can insulin pumps go through metal detectors? | Yes, insulin pumps can go through metal detectors. |
| Can insulin pumps go through advanced imaging technology (AIT) scanners? | Insulin pumps can go through AIT scanners. However, some manufacturers recommend not going through AIT scanners with your devices. |
| Can I request an alternative screening method? | Yes, you can request an alternative screening method such as a pat-down or a visual inspection. |
| Can I carry insulin through airport security? | Yes, you can carry insulin through airport security, even if it is in containers greater than 3.4 ounces. |
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What You'll Learn
Insulin pumps and advanced imaging technology
Insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are subject to additional screening at airport security. This may include a visual inspection, swabbing for explosives, or screening by advanced imaging technology (AIT) scanners.
If you are travelling with an insulin pump, it is important to inform the security officer before the screening process begins. You may also be asked to disconnect your infusion set before passing through a full-body scanner. If you do not wish to pass through AIT, you can request an alternative screening method such as a pat-down or a walk-through metal detector. You should not be required to remove any medical devices attached to your body, and you have the right to request a private screening with a witness of your choice.
Most insulin pumps and CGMs should not be screened by X-ray or security scanners on the luggage belt. Therefore, it is recommended to carry these items separately in your hand luggage so that they can be manually checked. However, insulin pens, vials, and cartridges can go through X-ray machines with the rest of your hand luggage. It is also advised to carry your insulin in a medically approved cool bag, as security staff may not accept it otherwise.
To facilitate the screening process, you can provide the security officers with a TSA notification card, which discreetly describes your medical condition. Additionally, you can contact the TSA Cares helpline 72 hours before your travel to receive assistance with screening policies and procedures.
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Insulin pumps and metal detectors
Insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are subject to additional screening at airport security. This may include a visual inspection, swabbing for explosives, or a pat-down.
If you are travelling with an insulin pump, you should inform the security officers before the screening process begins. You may also provide them with a TSA notification card, which discreetly describes your medical condition.
Most insulin pumps can withstand exposure to airport metal detectors, but some manufacturers recommend that you do not pass through advanced imaging technology (AIT) scanners with your devices. If you are concerned about the safety of passing through metal detectors with your insulin pump, you should contact the manufacturer.
In the UK, new scanners are being introduced at airports that insulin pumps and CGMs should not pass through. These include full-body scanners and carry-on luggage scanners. Therefore, if you are travelling with these devices, you will need to carry them through airport security to be manually checked.
In the US, insulin pumps can be screened without disconnecting from the pump, but the passenger must inform the officer about the pump before the screening process begins.
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Insulin pumps and X-rays
Insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are essential for people with diabetes. However, when travelling with these devices, it is important to be aware of the potential challenges and disruptions that may arise during security screenings at airports.
Passengers with insulin pumps or CGMs should inform security officers about their medical devices before the screening process begins. They should not be required to remove any medical devices attached to their bodies. If the insulin pump is attached to the body, it may be subject to additional screening, including visual inspection.
Regarding X-ray scanning, there are concerns about potential damage to insulin pumps and CGMs. Manufacturers of these devices advise that most technology should not pass through X-ray scanners or full-body scanners at airports. Medtronic, a manufacturer of diabetes devices, has conducted official testing and found that some full-body scanners at airports include X-ray technology. As a result, they recommend removing insulin pumps and CGMs before passing through X-ray or full-body scanners.
To avoid potential harm to insulin pumps and CGMs, passengers can request alternative screening methods. One option is to ask security agents to switch off the scanner, allowing the passenger to pass through without exposing their devices to radiation. Another alternative is a pat-down inspection, which can be conducted by a TSA officer of the same sex, ensuring privacy and discretion.
It is recommended to carry insulin pumps and CGMs separately in hand luggage to facilitate easier screening and avoid potential damage. Additionally, keeping diabetes supplies in a clear plastic bag within hand luggage can streamline the security process.
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Insulin pumps and manual checks
Insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are subject to additional screening at airport security. This may include a visual inspection, swabbing for explosives, or a pat-down.
If you are travelling with an insulin pump, you should inform the security officers and let them know where it is located on your body before the screening process begins. You can also provide them with a TSA notification card, which discreetly describes your medical condition. It is recommended that you carry your insulin pump with you to be manually checked, rather than putting it through X-ray or security scanners on the luggage belt.
From June 2024, UK airports will be using new scanning devices for people and carry-on luggage. Most insulin pump manufacturers advise that their devices should not pass through these new scanners. Therefore, you may need to request that the scanner is switched off or ask for an alternative method of screening, such as a pat-down.
It is important to note that you have the right to decide whether to be screened by advanced imaging technology (AIT) scanners or to request a pat-down. If you choose a pat-down, you have the right to have this done in private with a witness of your choice. You should not be asked to remove your insulin pump during the screening process.
To make the process smoother, you may want to keep all your type 1 supplies in a separate bag within your carry-on luggage. This will allow you to quickly take them out and carry them with you while the rest of your luggage goes through the scanners. It is also a good idea to carry prescription labels for your medication and medical devices, as this can expedite the security process.
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Insulin pumps and explosive detection
People with diabetes who use insulin pumps or continuous glucose monitoring devices should not be screened by airport security scanners when travelling. Insulin pump and CGM manufacturers advise that the medical devices should not be exposed to x-ray screening and full-body airport scanners as they may be damaged. If you have an insulin pump, glucose monitor or other medical device attached to your body, inform the officers where it is located before the screening process begins. You can also provide them with a TSA notification card prior to screening to discreetly describe the medical condition.
If you do not wish to go through screening by technology, inform the TSA officer and they will conduct a pat-down. Pat-downs are conducted by a TSA officer of the same sex, and you may request private screening at any time. You will not be required to remove any medical devices attached to your body. If you are travelling with medical equipment or supplies, they will need to undergo separate screening. The TSA officer will check the supplies and conduct any necessary testing. If your medical condition requires it, you are allowed to travel with a juice box or other liquid over 3.4 oz.
Insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring systems are covered by the Medical Device Awareness Card, which is sponsored by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Airport Operators Association (AOA). The card provides information about insulin pumps and CGMs for airport security officers and passengers. You can print it off from the CAA website and take it to the airport with you.
Alternative screening processes can be undertaken, such as hand searches supported by ETD (explosive trace detection equipment). Don’t forget to bring your medical evidence (e.g. a letter from a medical practitioner) to confirm your medical device.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, but you may need to undergo additional screening. It is recommended that you inform the security officer about your insulin pump before the screening process begins. You can also request a visual inspection or a pat-down instead of an X-ray screening.
If you encounter difficulties, you can ask to speak to the TSA Ground Security Commissioner or the international equivalent. You can also call the TSA Cares helpline 72 hours before travelling with any questions or concerns about the screening process.
It is recommended that you carry your insulin pump with you and that you have the necessary documentation, such as a prescription label or an Airport Information Card, readily available. You should also check with the manufacturer of your insulin pump for their guidance on airport security.
