Ruth Haines
If you have diabetes, going through airport security can be a daunting experience. However, it is possible to go through airport security with a Freestyle Libre sensor. The Freestyle Libre reader and sensor can be exposed to common electrostatic (ESD) and electromagnetic interference (EMI), including airport metal detectors. However, they should not be exposed to some airport full-body scanners, such as x-ray and millimeter radio-wave scanners, as this may damage the sensor or cause inaccurate results. To avoid removing your sensor, you may request another type of screening, such as a swab of your medical devices and a pat-down search. It is recommended that you always carry a doctor's letter stating your name, condition, and any supplies you will be carrying.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Exposure to common electrostatic (ESD) and electromagnetic interference (EMI) | Safe |
| Exposure to airport metal detectors | Safe |
| Exposure to airport full-body scanners | Unsafe |
| Exposure to x-ray | Unsafe |
| Exposure to millimeter radio-wave | Unsafe |
| Exposure to airport security scans | Notify security officer and request another type of screening |
| Carrying medication | Carry a doctor's letter |
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What You'll Learn
The Freestyle Libre sensor can be exposed to airport metal detectors
Although the sensor can be exposed to metal detectors, it should not be exposed to some airport full-body scanners, such as X-ray and millimeter radio-wave scanners. Exposure to these scanners may damage the sensor or cause inaccurate results. To avoid removing your sensor, you may request another type of screening, such as a swab of your medical devices and a pat-down search. If you do choose to go through a full-body scanner, you must remove your sensor.
It is important to note that there are differing recommendations regarding airport security and the Freestyle Libre sensor. Some sources suggest that the sensor can safely pass through airport security metal detectors, while others recommend avoiding airport body scanners altogether. It is always a good idea to carry a doctor's letter stating your name, condition, and any supplies you will be carrying. This can help to simplify the process and ensure that you have the necessary documentation in case of any issues.
Additionally, it is worth mentioning that the Freestyle Libre sensor can be used on an aircraft, but you will not receive alarms or glucose readings while your phone is in airplane mode unless you enable Bluetooth.
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Some full-body scanners may damage the sensor
It is advised that you do not expose the FreeStyle Libre sensor to some airport scanners, including X-ray and millimeter radio-wave scanners. The effect of these scanners on the sensor has not been evaluated, and exposure may damage the sensor or cause inaccurate results.
Some full-body scanners at airport security checkpoints include millimeter radio-waves, which you should not expose your sensor to. The extent of these scanners has not been evaluated, and the exposure may damage the sensor or cause inaccurate results.
To avoid removing your sensor, you may request another type of screening. If you do choose to go through a full-body scanner, you must remove your sensor. If you are unsure about the type of security scan you are passing through, notify the Security Officer before proceeding through the airport security checkpoint. You can also request another type of screening to be performed by the Security Officer.
Some users have reported that their sensor was "killed" after going through a full-body scanner. However, other users have reported no issues after going through a full-body scanner with their sensor.
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You can request an alternative screening method
If you use a FreeStyle Libre sensor, you may be concerned about how it will be affected by airport security. Some people have reported that their sensor was damaged after going through a full-body scanner. To avoid this, you can request another type of screening.
According to Abbott, the company that makes FreeStyle Libre, the FreeStyle Libre reader and sensor can be exposed to common electrostatic (ESD) and electromagnetic interference (EMI), including airport metal detectors. However, they should not be exposed to some airport scanners, such as X-ray and millimeter radio-wave scanners. These scanners may damage the sensor or cause inaccurate results.
If you are unsure about the type of security scan you will be passing through, it is recommended that you notify the security officer prior to proceeding through the airport security checkpoint and request another type of screening. For example, you can ask for a swab of your medical devices and a pat-down search as an alternative.
It is also a good idea to carry a doctor's letter when travelling with diabetes supplies. This letter should include basic information such as your name, your condition, and what supplies you will be carrying. A doctor's letter can be useful not only for airport security but also for customs and border security.
Additionally, if you feel uncomfortable going through a full-body scanner, you can consider getting TSA pre-check to expedite the security process.
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Declare that you have a device attached
If you are wearing a glucose sensor such as the Freestyle Libre, it is advisable to declare that you have a device attached. This is not always necessary, and some people choose to not mention it unless asked. However, declaring the device can prevent any potential issues or conversations with airport security staff. It is also recommended to carry a doctor's letter stating your name, condition, and what supplies you will be carrying, as well as any prescriptions. These documents can be useful not only for airport security but also for customs and border security.
When travelling with a Freestyle Libre, it is important to be aware of the different types of security scans. The Freestyle Libre reader and sensor can safely pass through metal detectors and be exposed to common electrostatic and electromagnetic interference. However, they should not be exposed to some airport full-body scanners, X-rays, or millimeter radio waves, as this may damage the device or cause inaccurate results. To avoid removing your sensor, you can request another type of screening, such as a swab of your medical devices and a pat-down search. If you are unsure about the type of security scan, notify the security officer before proceeding.
Some people have reported that their sensors have been killed or malfunctioned after going through full-body scanners, while others have had no issues. It is recommended to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer, Abbott Freestyle, which state that the sensors should not go through X-rays or body scanners with X-rays. Keeping Bluetooth on with airplane mode enabled can help track the sensor.
Overall, when travelling with a Freestyle Libre, it is advisable to declare the device, carry the necessary documentation, and be mindful of the different types of security scans to ensure a smooth airport experience.
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Always carry a doctor's letter
If you use a Freestyle Libre sensor, you may be concerned about how it will be affected by airport security. While the sensors can be exposed to common electrostatic (ESD) and electromagnetic interference (EMI), including airport metal detectors, some airport full-body scanners include x-ray or millimeter radio-wave technology, which you cannot expose your sensor to. The effect of these scanners on the Freestyle Libre sensor has not been evaluated, and exposure may damage the sensor or cause inaccurate results.
Given this uncertainty, it is always a good idea to carry a doctor's letter when travelling with a Freestyle Libre sensor. The letter does not need to be over-complicated; it just needs to include basic information such as your name, your condition, and what supplies you'll be carrying and why. This letter is not only useful for airport security but also for customs and border security. If you are carrying a large number of diabetes supplies, this may be questioned depending on the country you are visiting, so a doctor's letter can help smooth the process.
Additionally, while your Freestyle Libre sensor can be exposed to airport metal detectors, it may set off an alarm, leading to a conversation with airport security staff. A doctor's letter can help in this situation. If you feel uncomfortable going through a full-body scanner, you can request a swab of your medical devices and a pat-down search as an alternative. Some airport security personnel may tell you that this is not possible, but you should stand your ground and show your doctor's letter.
It is also important to note that the Freestyle Libre sensor should not go through X-ray machines, so if you are asked to go through a full-body scanner, you must inform the security officer that you have a sensor and request another type of screening.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, but it depends on the type of security scan. Freestyle Libre sensors can be exposed to common electrostatic (ESD) and electromagnetic interference (EMI), including airport metal detectors. However, they should not be exposed to some airport full-body scanners (i.e. x-ray and millimeter radio-wave) as this may damage the sensor or cause inaccurate results.
If you encounter a full-body scanner, notify the security officer and request an alternative type of screening.
It is recommended to declare that you are wearing a device. You may also be asked to show a doctor's letter, although this depends on the airport.
Yes, you can keep your Freestyle Libre sensor on while going through airport security, as long as it is not exposed to certain full-body scanners.
Yes, you may use your Freestyle Libre sensor on an aircraft, but you will not receive alarms or glucose readings while your phone is in airplane mode unless you enable Bluetooth.
