Ruth Haines
If you're wondering whether you can wear your FreeStyle Libre through airport security, the answer is that it depends on the type of scanner being used. FreeStyle Libre sensors can be exposed to common electrostatic (ESD) and electromagnetic interference (EMI), including airport metal detectors, without any issues. However, they should not be exposed to certain airport scanners, such as X-ray and millimeter radio-wave full-body scanners, as this may damage the sensor or cause inaccurate results. If you're unsure about the type of scanner being used, it's recommended to notify the security officer and request an alternative type of screening. Additionally, while the FreeStyle Libre can be used during a flight, the reader should be turned off during take-off and landing, and the flight crew may request that all electronic devices remain powered off for the duration of the flight.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Exposure to common electrostatic (ESD) and electromagnetic interference (EMI) | Safe |
| Exposure to airport metal detectors | Safe |
| Exposure to airport scanners (x-ray and millimeter radio-wave) | Unsafe |
| Exposure to airport full-body scanners | Unsafe |
| Exposure to airport security trays | Safe |
| Exposure during takeoff and landing | Safe, but the Libre reader should be powered off |
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What You'll Learn
- The Freestyle Libre is safe to wear through airport metal detectors
- The Freestyle Libre cannot be exposed to X-ray machines
- The Freestyle Libre cannot be exposed to some full-body scanners
- The Freestyle Libre can be exposed to electromagnetic interference
- The Freestyle Libre does not need to be removed on the aircraft
The Freestyle Libre is safe to wear through airport metal detectors
The Freestyle Libre is a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device that can be exposed to common electrostatic (ESD) and electromagnetic interference (EMI), including airport metal detectors. This means that the Freestyle Libre is safe to wear through airport metal detectors.
The Freestyle Libre reader and sensor can safely pass through airport security when packed in luggage, carry-on, or in the security tray. However, the Freestyle Libre reader and sensor should not be exposed to some airport scanners, such as X-ray and millimetre radio-wave scanners. These scanners may damage the system or cause inaccurate results.
If you are unsure about the type of security scan you are passing through, it is recommended that you notify the Security Officer prior to proceeding through the airport security checkpoint. You can request another type of screening to be performed, such as a pat-down, or remove your sensor before passing through the metal detector.
It is also recommended that you carry a Medical Device Awareness Card, which provides important information for both the Security Officer and the passenger. Additionally, consider wearing medical ID that identifies you as having diabetes.
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The Freestyle Libre cannot be exposed to X-ray machines
The Freestyle Libre is a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device that helps people with diabetes manage their blood glucose levels. It is important to take precautions when travelling with diabetes, and to be aware of how to safely pass through airport security with a CGM.
If you are wearing a Freestyle Libre, you should notify the security officer prior to proceeding through the airport security checkpoint. You can request another type of screening, such as a metal detector, which is safe for the device. It is also recommended to carry insulin, sensors, and other medications in your hand luggage.
It is important to note that the Freestyle Libre reader should be powered off during take-off and landing, as the wireless functionality of some CGM devices can interfere with aircraft communication and navigation systems.
While the Freestyle Libre is a useful tool for managing diabetes, it is important to follow these precautions when travelling to ensure safe and accurate use of the device.
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The Freestyle Libre cannot be exposed to some full-body scanners
However, you can avoid removing your Freestyle Libre sensor by notifying the Security Officer prior to proceeding through the airport security checkpoint and requesting another type of screening. Alternatively, you can safely pass through airport metal detectors with your Freestyle Libre. Your Freestyle Libre can also be exposed to common electrostatic (ESD) and electromagnetic interference (EMI).
It is important to note that the Freestyle Libre is a registered trademark of Abbott Diabetes Care Inc. and you should follow their instructions. Abbott's instructions clearly state that the Freestyle Libre should not go through X-ray and should not be exposed to body scanners that might have X-rays.
Additionally, while the Freestyle Libre sensors are able to operate as normal while flying, if you use a Libre reader, it should be powered off during take-off and landing. The wireless functionality of some insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) can interfere with aircraft communication and navigation systems. In some cases, you may need to remove your CGM and pump while in the air if your CGM cannot function without a wireless signal.
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The Freestyle Libre can be exposed to electromagnetic interference
The Freestyle Libre 3 System is not restricted by flight regulations and can be used on aircraft as it meets the RTCA guidance for the use of medical devices on planes. However, it is important to note that the Freestyle Libre reader and sensor can be exposed to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and common electrostatic (ESD). This includes airport metal detectors, which the device can safely pass through when packed in luggage, carry-on, or in the security tray.
However, the Freestyle Libre reader and sensor should not be exposed to certain airport scanners, such as X-ray and millimeter radio-wave scanners. These scanners have not been evaluated for use with the Freestyle Libre, and exposure may damage the device or cause inaccurate results. If you are unsure about the type of security scan you will be passing through, it is recommended to notify the Security Officer and request an alternative type of screening.
The Freestyle Libre 3 communicates with the app via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connection, which operates at extremely low power, approximately 100 times less than the maximum power of a mobile phone. Extensive research has been conducted on the safety of radio waves, and there is currently no evidence to suggest that exposure to low-level electromagnetic fields is harmful to human health.
In summary, while the Freestyle Libre can be exposed to some forms of electromagnetic interference, such as metal detectors, it should not be exposed to certain airport scanners to avoid potential damage or inaccurate results.
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The Freestyle Libre does not need to be removed on the aircraft
The Freestyle Libre sensor can be exposed to common electrostatic (ESD) and electromagnetic interference (EMI), including airport metal detectors. It can also safely pass through security scanners when packed in luggage, carry-on, or in the security tray.
However, the Freestyle Libre reader and sensor should not be exposed to some airport scanners, including x-ray and millimetre radio-wave scanners. If in doubt about the type of security scan, notify the Security Officer before proceeding through the airport security checkpoint and request another type of screening.
It is recommended that you carry insulin, sensors, and other medications in your hand luggage. Additionally, wearing medical ID that identifies you as having diabetes can be beneficial.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can wear your Freestyle Libre 2, Freestyle Libre 2 Plus, Freestyle Libre 3, and Freestyle Libre 3 Plus sensors through airport security metal detectors.
You must remove your sensor if you go through a full-body scanner. These scanners may include x-ray or millimeter radio waves, which you cannot expose your sensor to.
You can request another type of screening from the security officer before you pass through the airport security checkpoint.
Yes, the Freestyle Libre is not restricted by flight regulations and can be used during a flight. However, if you use a Libre reader, this should be powered off during take-off and landing.
It is recommended that you carry insulin, sensors, and other medications in your hand luggage.
