Owais Crawford
Travelling through airport security with diabetes can be a stressful and daunting experience, especially for those who are newly diagnosed or have never done it before. Diabetic devices such as the Dexcom or FreeStyle Libre can be exposed to common electrostatic (ESD) and electromagnetic interference (EMI), including airport metal detectors. However, these devices should not be exposed to some airport full-body scanners (x-ray and millimetre radio-wave), which may cause damage to the system or inaccurate results. To avoid removing your sensor, you can request another type of screening to be performed by the Security Officer. It is recommended to carry a doctor's letter when travelling with diabetes medication and supplies, as different countries and airports have varying rules.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Exposure to common electrostatic (ESD) and electromagnetic interference (EMI) | Allowed |
| Exposure to airport metal detectors | Allowed |
| Exposure to airport full-body scanners (x-ray and millimeter radio-wave) | Not allowed |
| Exposure to airport 360-body scanners | Not recommended |
| Requesting another type of screening | Possible |
| Carrying a doctor's letter | Recommended |
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What You'll Learn
Diabetic travellers should carry a doctor's letter
Additionally, it is important to carry all necessary medication and equipment, such as insulin, needles, syringes, and monitoring devices, in your hand luggage. These items should be clearly labelled and kept in their original packaging. A doctor's prescription for the medication can also facilitate quick proof of its requirement at the airport. It is advised to carry twice the amount of medication and supplies you would typically need for the duration of your trip, as well as an up-to-date list of all prescribed medication.
If you use devices such as the FreeStyle Libre sensor, be aware that they can be exposed to common electrostatic (ESD) and electromagnetic interference (EMI), including airport metal detectors. However, these sensors should not be exposed to certain airport full-body scanners, such as X-ray and millimetre radio-wave scanners, as they may cause damage or inaccurate results. To avoid removing your sensor, notify the security officer and request an alternative type of screening.
Overall, prior planning and preparation of the necessary documentation and supplies will enable diabetic travellers to navigate airport security and their trip with fewer difficulties.
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Request an alternative screening method
If you are unsure about the type of security scan at the airport, notify the security officer before proceeding through the airport security checkpoint. Request an alternative screening method if you are wearing a medical device that cannot be exposed to certain airport full-body scanners, such as x-ray or millimeter radio-wave scanners.
You can keep your medical device on while passing through airport metal detectors. However, if you cannot or are unwilling to remove a light outer garment or bulky clothing, inform the officer, and you may be subject to additional screening.
In the case of a pat-down, you have the right to request that the screening occur in a private room, and you may request to be accompanied by a companion of your choice. A second officer of the same sex will always be present during private screening.
If you have TSA PreCheck, you can usually go through the metal detector line or ask for a manual TSA check.
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Do not expose the sensor to full-body scanners
If you are wearing a FreeStyle Libre Sensor, you should not expose it to some airport full-body scanners, such as x-ray and millimeter radio-wave scanners. These scanners may damage the sensor or cause it to produce inaccurate results. To avoid exposing your sensor to these scanners, you should notify the security officer before passing through the airport security checkpoint and request an alternative type of screening. For example, you can request a manual TSA check, a swab of your medical devices, or a pat-down search.
It is important to note that the FreeStyle Libre Sensors can be exposed to common electrostatic (ESD) and electromagnetic interference (EMI), including airport metal detectors. You can keep your sensor on while passing through these detectors. However, if you are unsure about the type of security scan you will be passing through, it is recommended to notify the security officer in advance and request alternative screening if necessary.
Additionally, when travelling with diabetes, it is generally recommended to carry a doctor's letter with you. This can help clarify any confusion or questions about your medical devices and ensure a smooth airport security experience. Having a letter in the local language of your destination country can also be beneficial.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that different airports may have varying rules and regulations regarding medical devices and medication. It is always a good idea to check with the specific airport or seek guidance from official sources to ensure you comply with their requirements.
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Metal detectors are safe for the sensor
While it is generally safe to go through airport security metal detectors with the Freestyle Libre sensor, it is not recommended to expose the device to full-body scanners.
The Freestyle Libre sensor can be safely exposed to common electrostatic (ESD) and electromagnetic interference (EMI), including airport metal detectors. You can keep your sensor on while passing through metal detectors. However, it is important to note that the sensor should not be exposed to certain airport full-body scanners, such as those that use X-ray or millimeter radio waves. These types of scanners may damage the sensor or cause it to produce inaccurate results.
If you are unsure about the type of security scan you will be passing through at the airport, it is recommended to notify the security officer before proceeding through the checkpoint. You can request an alternative type of screening to avoid exposing your sensor to potentially harmful scanners.
Metal detectors operate by detecting disturbances in electric or magnetic fields, which means they are largely passive and emit very low levels of electromagnetic radiation. While it is theoretically possible for metal detectors to cause interference or damage to electronic devices, the risk is incredibly small and not something most travellers need to worry about.
In summary, it is safe to pass through airport security metal detectors with the Freestyle Libre sensor. However, it is important to avoid exposing the sensor to certain full-body scanners, and to notify security officers if you are unsure about the type of scanning technology in use.
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TSA Prechek can help speed up the process
It is important to note that the FreeStyle Libre reader and sensor can be exposed to common electrostatic (ESD) and electromagnetic interference (EMI), including airport metal detectors. They can be safely kept on or in your luggage, carry-on, or security tray as you pass through these detectors.
However, the device should not be exposed to certain airport full-body scanners, such as X-ray and millimeter radio-wave scanners. The effect of these scanners on the device is unknown, and exposure may potentially damage the device or cause inaccurate results. To avoid removing your device, it is recommended to notify the security officer before proceeding through the airport security checkpoint and request an alternative type of screening.
Now, if you are a frequent traveler, you may want to consider enrolling in TSA PreCheck to speed up the security screening process at the airport. TSA PreCheck is a trusted traveler program offered by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers to undergo expedited screening at participating airports. Here's how TSA PreCheck can help speed up the process:
- Faster Screening: TSA PreCheck members typically experience faster screening wait times at the airport. According to TSA, about 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than 10 minutes. This expedited process can save you time and make your travel experience more efficient.
- Simplified Screening Process: With TSA PreCheck, you can keep your shoes, belts, and light jackets on during screening. You also don't need to remove your electronics and 3-1-1 liquids from your bag. This streamlined process means you spend less time preparing for screening and moving through the security checkpoint.
- Convenient Enrollment: Enrolling in TSA PreCheck is designed to be convenient and straightforward. You can start the application process online and even enroll in minutes at one of the 540 enrollment centers, some of which are open 7 days a week with extended hours. No appointments are needed, and you can choose an enrollment provider based on cost, locations, and additional benefits.
- Family Inclusion: Children under 17 can join an adult with TSA PreCheck when the indicator appears on their boarding pass. This feature simplifies the screening process for families traveling together, allowing everyone to move through security more quickly.
- Unpredictable Security Measures: The TSA employs unpredictable security measures, both seen and unseen, throughout the airport. These measures enhance security while also ensuring that the screening process is efficient for trusted travelers like TSA PreCheck members.
In summary, TSA PreCheck offers a faster, more streamlined airport security experience. By enrolling in TSA PreCheck, you can save time, simplify the screening process, and benefit from the convenience of expedited security checks at participating airports. So, if you travel frequently and want to streamline your airport experience, enrolling in TSA PreCheck is definitely worth considering.
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Frequently asked questions
The Freestyle Libre Sensor can be exposed to common electrostatic (ESD) and electromagnetic interference (EMI), including airport metal detectors. You can keep your sensor on while going through these. However, the Freestyle Libre Sensor should not be exposed to some airport full-body scanners (i.e. x-ray and millimeter radio-wave). To avoid removing your sensor, you should request another type of screening to be performed by the Security Officer.
It depends on the airport, as different airports have different rules. As a rule of thumb, to make sure you never run into complications, you should always carry a doctor's letter with you to the airport. If you are visiting a country where the first language isn’t English, it’s often a good idea to have another copy of your doctor's letter translated into the local language.
Depending on the location, you can usually go through the metal detector line or ask for a manual check. If in doubt about the type of security scan you are passing through, notify the Security Officer prior to proceeding through the airport security checkpoint.
