Roberta Aguirre
Travelling with a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) can be stressful, especially when going through airport security. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has specific rules and requirements for people with diabetes, and security agents regularly assist people with diabetic devices like insulin pumps, insulin pens, syringes, and lancets. However, not all diabetes technology can safely go through security checks, and CGM devices may malfunction if exposed to X-ray machines or full-body scanners. So, what do you need to know when travelling with a CGM?
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What You'll Learn
CGMs may malfunction when exposed to X-ray machines
It is important to note that CGMs may malfunction when exposed to X-ray machines or full-body scanners. Therefore, if you are travelling with a CGM, it is advisable to inform the TSA so that they can arrange alternative security screening options. You can request a pat-down or a manual inspection of your device. Carrying a letter from your healthcare provider explaining the medical necessity of your CGM can also be helpful in expediting this process and ensuring a smooth screening experience.
If you are travelling with Dexcom G6 components in a travel bag, it is recommended to place them in a separate bag or bin and request a visual inspection by a TSA officer. This precaution ensures that your CGM system is not damaged by the X-ray machines.
For international travel, it is a good idea to research the type of body scanners used at your destination airport, as different countries may have varying procedures. However, they are likely to use similar machines. Additionally, if you are travelling with a child who uses a CGM, it is recommended to call TSA Cares ahead of your travel date to inform them of your need for an alternative screening process. This advance notice can help save time at the airport.
To summarise, when travelling with a CGM, it is important to be aware that X-ray machines and full-body scanners may cause malfunctions. By informing the TSA, requesting alternative screening methods, and carrying the necessary documentation, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience.
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You don't need a doctor's note, but it can help
If you are wearing a CGM or carrying one in your luggage, you should inform the TSA so that they can arrange alternative security screening options for you. While it is not mandatory to have a doctor's note, it can help expedite the screening process. You can also call TSA Cares ahead of your travel date and inform them about your need for an alternative screening process. This is especially important if you are travelling with a child who is wearing a CGM.
If you are travelling with Dexcom G6 components in a travel bag, do not put them through baggage X-ray machines. Instead, place them in a separate bag or bin and ask a TSA officer to perform a visual inspection. For other medical supplies, such as medications, meters, and strips, check the manufacturer's instructions, the American Diabetes Association, or the TSA website.
If you are wearing a CGM, you can go through metal detectors, be hand-wanded, and even keep your receiver on during your flight. If you are uncomfortable walking through a metal detector, inform the security officer that you are wearing a continuous glucose monitor and request a full-body pat-down with a visual inspection of your sensor and transmitter. Let the officer know that the sensor cannot be removed as it is inserted under your skin.
It is important to note that CGM devices may malfunction if exposed to X-ray machines or full-body scanners. Therefore, if the only way through security is through one of these scanners, you can request that they switch it off. Additionally, if you are travelling to a destination with a significant time zone difference, coordinate with your healthcare team to adjust your CGM settings accordingly as time zone changes can impact your blood sugar patterns.
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TSA Cares can be contacted for alternative screening
If you are travelling with a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM), it is a good idea to carry a letter from your healthcare provider that explains the medical necessity of your CGM and any 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.
TSA Cares is a helpline that provides travellers with disabilities, medical conditions, and other special circumstances with additional assistance during the security screening process. If you are travelling with a CGM, you can contact TSA Cares to coordinate with your local TSA airport. Once the TSA Cares team has been notified, local TSA management will be informed, and a Passenger Support Specialist (PSS) will be assigned to assist you through the checkpoint screening process.
TSA Cares can be contacted by calling (855) 787-2227 or federal relay 711 on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET and on weekends/holidays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. It is recommended that you call 72 hours prior to your travel.
When travelling with a CGM, it is important to note that you will not be required to remove medical devices attached to your body. However, if your device is not attached, it may be screened by X-ray. If you do not want your device to be screened by X-ray, you can inform the TSA officer, and alternative screening will be conducted. This may include a self-pat-down of the medical device and a test of your hands for any trace of explosives.
If you are travelling with Dexcom G6 components in a travel bag, do not put them through baggage X-ray machines. Instead, place them in a separate bag or bin and ask a TSA officer to perform a visual inspection.
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Dexcom G6 CGM users can go through metal detectors
If you are a Dexcom G6 CGM user, you can go through metal detectors at the airport without worrying about damaging your G6 components. In addition to metal detectors, you can also be hand-wanded, or keep your receiver on during your flight.
However, Dexcom G6 CGM components should not be put through baggage X-ray machines. Instead, place them in a separate bag or bin and ask a TSA officer to perform a visual inspection. If you are uncomfortable with walking through a metal detector, you can request a full-body pat-down with a visual inspection of your sensor and transmitter. It is important to inform the security officer that your sensor cannot be removed as it is inserted under the skin.
It is also recommended 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 the security screening or need to explain your medical condition to airline staff.
To prepare for your flight, it is important to check the expiration dates of your supplies and make a list of essential items you need to pack. If you are travelling with a child who uses a CGM, it is crucial to educate them about the journey and involve them in the preparation process. Time zone changes can impact blood sugar patterns, so it is recommended to coordinate with your healthcare team to adjust your CGM settings accordingly.
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Keep CGMs in carry-on bags, not checked luggage
It is important to keep your CGM with you in your carry-on bag and not in your checked luggage. This is because CGM devices may malfunction if exposed to X-ray machines or full-body scanners, which are used by the TSA at most airports. If you have Dexcom G6 components in a travel bag, do not put them through baggage X-ray machines. Instead, place them in a separate bag or bin and ask a TSA officer to perform a visual inspection.
If you are travelling with a child who uses a CGM, there is an extra layer of consideration. Children may be more susceptible to changes in routine and diet, so planning becomes critical. Educate your child about the journey and involve them in the preparation process. Teach them to recognise the signs of low or high blood sugar and what actions to take. It is also recommended to carry a letter from your child's healthcare provider explaining the necessity of the CGM and related supplies. This can be helpful in case you encounter any issues with airport security.
If you are concerned about walking through a metal detector, you can request a full-body pat-down with a visual inspection of your sensor and transmitter. Inform the security officer that the sensor cannot be removed because it is inserted under the skin. You can also ask for the scanner to be switched off so that it does not affect your CGM technology.
It is a good idea to invest in a sturdy, protective case specifically designed for your CGM model to protect it from potential damage during travel. Additionally, check the expiration dates of your supplies and make a list of essential items you need to pack. If you are travelling to a destination with a significant time zone difference, coordinate with your healthcare team to adjust your CGM settings accordingly as time zone changes can impact your blood sugar patterns.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, but you should inform the TSA so that they can arrange alternative security screening options. CGMs are safe to store in your carry-on bag, but you should avoid packing your sensors in checked luggage.
It is not necessary to have a doctor's note or a TSA notification card. However, carrying a letter from your healthcare provider explaining the medical necessity of your CGM and related supplies can be useful if you encounter any challenges during the security screening.
If you are travelling with a child who is wearing a CGM, it may be a good idea to call TSA Cares ahead of your travel date and inform them about your need for an alternative screening process.
If you have CGM components in your travel bag, do not put them through baggage X-ray machines. Place them in a separate bag or bin and ask a TSA officer to perform a visual inspection.
Time zone changes can impact your blood sugar patterns, so preparing for these adjustments is important for managing blood glucose levels. Dehydration can also affect blood sugar levels, so make sure to stay well-hydrated, especially during flights.
