
If you use a Freestyle Libre 3 sensor, you may be wondering how to handle it when going through airport security. The Freestyle Libre 3 sensor can be exposed to common electrostatic (ESD) and electromagnetic interference (EMI), including airport metal detectors. However, it should not be exposed to some airport full-body scanners that use x-ray or millimeter radio waves, as this may damage the sensor or cause inaccurate results. To avoid removing your sensor, notify the security officer before proceeding through airport security and request an alternative screening method, such as a pat-down or hand inspection for your medical supplies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can Freestyle Libre 3 be exposed to airport full-body scanners? | No, it should not be exposed to full-body scanners that use x-ray or millimeter radio waves. |
| What happens if exposed to full-body scanners? | It may damage the sensor or cause inaccurate results. |
| What to do if you choose to go through a full-body scanner? | Remove the sensor and notify the security officer prior to proceeding through the airport security checkpoint. |
| Alternative screening methods | Request a pat-down check or a hand inspection of the device. |
| Can Freestyle Libre 3 be exposed to metal detectors? | Yes, it can be exposed to common electrostatic (ESD) and electromagnetic interference (EMI), including airport metal detectors. |
| Can Freestyle Libre 3 be used on an aircraft? | Yes, it can be used on an aircraft by following any requests from the flight crew. |
| Can the Freestyle Libre 3 app be used on an aircraft? | Yes, but you will not receive alarms or glucose readings while your phone is in airplane mode unless you enable Bluetooth. |
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What You'll Learn

The Freestyle Libre 3 can be exposed to airport metal detectors
The Freestyle Libre 3 is exposed to airport metal detectors. The device can be exposed to common electrostatic (ESD) and electromagnetic interference (EMI), including airport metal detectors. The Freestyle Libre 3 can be worn while passing through metal detectors. However, it is important to notify the security officer prior to proceeding through the airport security checkpoint that you are wearing the device. This is because the Freestyle Libre 3 cannot be exposed to certain scanners, such as X-ray or millimeter radio-wave scanners, which may be present in full-body scanners.
The Freestyle Libre 3 sensor can be worn during a flight. However, the Freestyle Libre reader should be powered off during take-off and landing. This is because the wireless functionality of some insulin pumps and CGMs can interfere with aircraft communication and navigation systems. In general, insulin pumps and CGMs, including the Freestyle Libre 3, should not be screened by X-ray or full-body scanners. Instead, you should request an alternative screening method, such as a pat-down check or a hand inspection of your medical supplies.
It is recommended to check the manufacturer's instructions for specific details and precautions to take when travelling with the Freestyle Libre 3. Additionally, you should ensure you have the right equipment to manage your diabetes, such as an insulin pen, and be able to test your glucose through a finger-prick test.
Some users have reported that their Freestyle Libre 3 sensor was unaffected by passing through airport security. However, others have reported that their sensor was affected, with some losing signal temporarily and others experiencing sensor death. Therefore, it is important to be prepared and follow the recommended procedures to ensure the safety and functionality of your device.
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It cannot be exposed to certain full-body scanners
The Freestyle Libre 3 system can be used while on an aircraft, but certain airport full-body scanners can damage the sensor or cause inaccurate results. These full-body scanners include X-ray or millimeter radio-wave scanners, which users cannot expose their systems to. The effect of these scanners on the Freestyle Libre 3 system has not been evaluated, and exposure may cause damage or inaccurate results.
To avoid exposing the Freestyle Libre 3 system to these scanners, users can notify the security officer prior to proceeding through the airport security checkpoint and request another type of screening. Some users have reported that notifying the security officer about their device allowed them to request an alternative screening method, such as a pat-down check, instead of passing through the full-body scanner.
It is important to note that the Freestyle Libre 3 sensor can be safely exposed to common electrostatic (ESD) and electromagnetic interference (EMI), including airport metal detectors. Users can keep their sensors on while passing through these detectors, and the sensors can also be safely scanned in luggage or carry-on bags.
The Freestyle Libre reader should be powered off during take-off and landing, as the wireless functionality of some insulin pumps and CGMs can interfere with aircraft communication and navigation systems. It is recommended to check the manufacturer's instructions for specific details and precautions regarding travel.
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The Freestyle Libre 3 can be exposed to X-ray-based scanners
To avoid potential issues, it is recommended that users notify the security officer prior to proceeding through airport security and request an alternative screening method if necessary. This could include a pat-down check or a hand inspection of any medical supplies, including backup sensors and transmitters, which should be packed in carry-on luggage.
It is worth noting that the Freestyle Libre 3 can be safely exposed to common electrostatic (ESD) and electromagnetic interference (EMI), including airport metal detectors. Users can keep their Freestyle Libre 3 sensors on while passing through these types of scanners.
Additionally, users should be aware that the Freestyle Libre 3 system can be used on an aircraft, but users will not receive alarms or glucose readings while their phone is in airplane mode unless Bluetooth is enabled.
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You should notify security personnel that you have diabetes
When going through airport security with diabetes, it is important to notify security personnel that you have the condition and that you are carrying your supplies onboard. This includes insulin in your hand luggage, which is permitted in any form, such as vials or pens. You may also need to explain any medical devices attached to you, such as a CGM, and that these cannot be removed.
It is recommended to check the manufacturer's instructions for specific equipment for any travel advice and precautions. Freestyle Libre sensors, for example, should not be exposed to some airport full-body scanners that use x-ray or millimeter radio waves. To avoid removing your sensor, notify security before proceeding through the checkpoint and request an alternative screening method, such as a pat-down check. If you have extra supplies, keep them in a separate bag and let security know that they need to be hand-inspected rather than X-rayed.
Some people with diabetes have reported that their Freestyle Libre sensors have been affected by full-body scanners, with some sensors malfunctioning or losing signal temporarily. However, others have reported no issues, and the sensors can be exposed to common electrostatic (ESD) and electromagnetic interference (EMI), including airport metal detectors.
It is always best to notify security personnel that you have diabetes and follow their recommended procedures to ensure your safety and the safety of your medical equipment.
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You should request an alternative screening method
If you use the FreeStyle Libre 3 system, there are some things you should be aware of when going through airport security. Firstly, it is safe to expose the sensor to airport metal detectors. However, some full-body scanners use x-rays or millimeter radio waves, which you should not expose your system to. The effect of these scanners on the FreeStyle Libre 3 system has not been evaluated, and exposure may damage the system or cause inaccurate results.
Therefore, if you use the FreeStyle Libre 3 system, you should request an alternative screening method to avoid removing your sensor. Before going through airport security, notify the security officer that you are wearing the device and request another type of screening, such as a pat-down check. You can also request a hand inspection of any medical supplies or spares you are carrying to ensure they are not exposed to x-rays.
It is important to note that the FreeStyle Libre 3 system can be safely exposed to common electrostatic (ESD) and electromagnetic interference (EMI). However, if you are using a Libre reader, it should be powered off during take-off and landing as the wireless functionality can interfere with aircraft communication and navigation systems.
Additionally, eligible patients may receive a FreeStyle Libre 3 system sensor for free. This offer is available for patients with Type 1, Type 2, or gestational diabetes who are 18 years or older. Patients under 18 are also eligible to receive the sensor through their parent or guardian.
By following these recommendations and staying informed about the latest guidelines, users of the FreeStyle Libre 3 system can navigate airport security and air travel with greater ease and confidence.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Freestyle Libre 3 sensor can be exposed to common electrostatic (ESD) and electromagnetic interference (EMI), including airport metal detectors.
It is recommended that you do not expose the Freestyle Libre 3 sensor to some airport full-body scanners (i.e. x-ray and millimeter radio-wave). To avoid removing your sensor, notify the Security Officer prior to proceeding through the airport security checkpoint and request another type of screening.
Yes, you may use your Freestyle Libre 3 system while on an aircraft, following any requests from the flight crew. You will not receive alarms or glucose readings while your phone is in airplane mode unless you enable Bluetooth.
It is recommended to keep your Freestyle Libre 3 sensor on while going through security. However, you should not expose the sensor to full-body scanners as it may damage the sensor or cause inaccurate readings. You should also inform the security personnel that you have diabetes and are carrying your supplies onboard.











































