Ruth Haines
If you have diabetes and use a glucose meter, you may be wondering how to get your supplies and devices through airport security. The good news is that it is possible to travel with your glucose meter, but there are some things you need to keep in mind. Firstly, inform the security officers that you have diabetes and are carrying your supplies. You may be asked to provide medical evidence, such as a letter from a medical practitioner, to confirm your medical device. Additionally, keep your glucose meter with you and do not put it through the X-ray machine. You can request an alternative screening method, such as a hand search or pat-down, and you should not be asked to remove your medical device during this process.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Should glucose meters be screened by airport security scanners? | No, passengers with a medical device such as an insulin pump or Continuous Glucose Monitoring system (CGMs) should not be screened by a security scanner. |
| Alternative screening methods | Alternative screening processes can be undertaken such as hand search, pat-down, or explosive trace detection equipment. |
| What to do before travelling | Contact the airport before you set off on your journey to see what scanners they have in place and if there are alternative ways for you to pass through security. |
| What to carry | Carry a medically approved cool bag to take your insulin through security, insulin pens, vials and cartridges of insulin, glucagon in its original container, glucose meter with the manufacturer's name embossed on it, a letter from your medical practitioner, and a Medical Device Awareness Card. |
| What to do during security screening | Inform the security officer about your supplies, ask for a Passenger Support Specialist or Supervisory TSA Officer, and request that the scanner be switched off if it is the only way through security. |
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What You'll Learn
- Glucose meters and insulin pumps are allowed through airport security
- Glucose meters and insulin pumps must be accompanied by insulin
- Glucose meters and insulin pumps should not be screened by X-ray machines
- Alternative screening methods are available for glucose meters and insulin pumps
- Notify TSA officers that you are carrying a glucose meter and insulin pump
Glucose meters and insulin pumps are allowed through airport security
If you have diabetes and use a glucose meter, insulin pump, or continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device, you can still travel by air. However, you should be aware of the procedures and requirements for bringing these devices through airport security.
Firstly, it is important to note that you should not be asked to remove your medical device at any point. If you opt out of going through a security scanner, you must be offered an alternative screening method, such as a hand search or pat-down. You may also request that the scanner be switched off if you are concerned about its impact on your device. It is recommended that you do not put your insulin pump or CGM through an X-ray machine or full-body scanner, as this could damage the device. Instead, carry these items with you to be manually checked.
To facilitate this process, it is recommended that you bring medical evidence, such as a letter from a medical practitioner, to confirm your need for the device. You should also inform security screeners that you have diabetes and are carrying supplies with you. If you are carrying insulin, it must be clearly identified and accompanied by insulin in a dispenser. You may also request assistance from a Passenger Support Specialist or a Supervisory TSA Officer.
To make the process smoother, you can keep all your diabetes supplies in a separate bag within your carry-on luggage. This allows you to easily remove the bag for screening while keeping your supplies together. Additionally, you may want to contact the airport in advance to understand their screening procedures and any alternative options available.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your glucose meter and insulin pump are allowed through airport security, allowing for a safe and stress-free travel experience.
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Glucose meters and insulin pumps must be accompanied by insulin
If you are travelling with diabetes technology, it is important to know your rights and the procedures in place to ensure a smooth journey. Glucose meters and insulin pumps are permitted through airport security, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, notify the security agents that you have diabetes and are carrying your supplies, including insulin. Insulin pumps and glucose meters must be accompanied by insulin, and insulin in any form or dispenser must be clearly identified. You may be asked to provide documentation, so ensure you have a letter from your medical practitioner detailing your need for insulin and any other diabetes-related equipment.
You should not be asked to remove your insulin pump or glucose meter, and alternative screening methods should be offered if you do not wish to pass through a full-body scanner. These alternative methods may include a pat-down or hand search, and you can request that scanners are switched off to avoid any potential interference with your devices. It is recommended that insulin pumps and glucose meters are not exposed to X-ray screening due to potential damage, so keep these with you to be manually checked.
To ease your passage through security, consider obtaining a Medical Device Awareness Card, which can be shown to security staff to indicate your need for special consideration. Many airports also provide Sunflower lanyards for passengers with hidden disabilities, including diabetes, to indicate that they may require additional assistance. You can also contact the airport before your journey to enquire about their scanners and alternative screening methods.
When packing, consider keeping all your diabetes supplies in a separate bag within your carry-on luggage. This will make it easier to access these items during screening and ensure they are not exposed to extreme temperatures, which can affect insulin effectiveness. Remember to use a medically approved cool bag for your insulin and always carry your insulin with you and never in checked luggage.
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Glucose meters and insulin pumps should not be screened by X-ray machines
Glucose meters and insulin pumps are medical devices used by people with diabetes to manage their condition. When travelling, it is important to know how to safely pass through airport security with these devices.
Passengers with glucose meters and insulin pumps should not be screened by X-ray machines. This is because X-ray imaging can cause interference with the electronics in these devices, potentially causing damage and malfunction. In fact, manufacturers of insulin pumps and glucose monitoring devices advise against exposing them to X-ray screening and full-body airport scanners.
If you are travelling with a glucose meter or insulin pump, you should not be asked to remove your medical device during screening. Instead, alternative screening methods should be offered, such as a hand search, pat-down, or explosive trace detection equipment. You can also request that the scanner be switched off if you are concerned about potential interference with your device.
To ensure a smooth screening process, it is recommended to contact the airport beforehand to understand their screening procedures and allow for enough time during security checks. Additionally, consider carrying your medical devices with you separately from your other luggage to facilitate a quicker and easier process.
To summarise, glucose meters and insulin pumps should not be screened by X-ray machines due to potential damage and malfunction risks. Alternative screening methods should always be offered to passengers with these medical devices.
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Alternative screening methods are available for glucose meters and insulin pumps
Alternative screening methods are available for passengers with diabetes who use insulin pumps or continuous glucose monitoring devices. These devices should not be screened by airport security scanners. Instead, passengers can opt for alternative screening methods such as a hand search, supported by ETD (explosive trace detection equipment).
Passengers should never be asked to remove their medical devices during screening and should not send them through x-ray machines due to potential damage. It is recommended to carry medical evidence, such as a letter from a medical practitioner, to confirm the use of an insulin pump or continuous glucose monitoring system.
To ease the stress and potential embarrassment associated with security screenings, individuals with diabetes can now obtain a Medical Device Awareness Card. This card provides information to both the security officer and the passenger, helping to ensure a smoother and more dignified experience when travelling with insulin pumps or continuous glucose monitoring devices.
Additionally, many UK airports provide hidden disability Sunflower lanyards for passengers with non-obvious medical conditions or disabilities. These lanyards discreetly indicate to security staff that the wearer may require extra assistance or understanding during the screening process. It is advisable to contact the airport in advance to inquire about alternative screening methods and to allow for sufficient time when passing through security.
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Notify TSA officers that you are carrying a glucose meter and insulin pump
If you are carrying a glucose meter and insulin pump, it is important to notify the TSA officers that you are carrying diabetes supplies with you. You must also inform them if you have a medical device attached to your body, such as an insulin pump or a Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) system.
To ensure a smooth screening process, it is recommended that you carry your insulin pump and CGM with you and do not place them on the luggage belt to be screened by X-ray or security scanners. Instead, request an alternative screening method such as a hand search or a pat-down. You have the right to refuse to remove your medical device during the screening process, and you can request that the scanner be switched off if it interferes with your technology.
To avoid any potential issues, it is advisable to contact the airport beforehand to understand their security procedures and to enquire about alternative screening methods. Additionally, consider carrying your diabetes supplies in a medically approved cool bag, as some airports may not accept insulin that is not stored properly. Keep all your diabetes supplies together in a separate bag within your carry-on luggage to streamline the screening process.
To further ease your experience, you may want to obtain a Medical Device Awareness Card, which can help you avoid any embarrassing or difficult encounters with security staff. This card can be presented during check-in, and you may be provided with a lanyard to wear and use a different security scanner. Remember to bring any necessary medical evidence, such as a letter from your healthcare provider, to confirm the use of your medical devices.
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Frequently asked questions
Glucose meters can go through airport scanners, but insulin pumps and CGMs (Continuous Glucose Monitoring systems) should not be screened by security scanners. If you are carrying a glucose meter, inform the TSA so they can arrange alternative security screening options.
Alternative screening processes can include hand searches, supported by ETD (explosive trace detection equipment). You can also request a pat-down or ask for the scanner to be switched off.
Yes, you must declare any medical devices and supplies to the TSA. You should also carry medical evidence, such as a letter from a medical practitioner, to confirm your medical device.
It is recommended that you contact the airport before your journey to understand their scanners and alternative screening methods. You should also allow extra time at the airport to ensure your luggage and medical devices can be checked.
