Sachin Walls
If you have diabetes and need to wear an insulin pump, you may be wondering how to get through airport security. The good news is that insulin pumps are designed to withstand common electromagnetic interference, so you can go through a metal detector with your insulin pump. However, it's important to carry the necessary airport information cards and prescription labels for your medication and medical devices. While not always required, having these available will make the security process smoother. Additionally, it's important to inform the TSA officer about your insulin pump and other diabetes supplies before the screening process begins.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can I wear my insulin pump through airport security? | Yes, but it is subject to additional screening. |
| What should I do before the screening process? | Inform the TSA officer that you are wearing an insulin pump and carry the Airport Information Card for your insulin pump system. |
| What happens during the screening process? | You may go through a metal detector or Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) scanner with your insulin pump. However, you can request a pat-down screening instead. |
| Can I carry insulin through airport security? | Yes, insulin and other diabetes-related medications, liquids, and gels are allowed through TSA checkpoints, even in containers greater than 3.4 ounces. |
| Can insulin be screened through X-ray machines? | Insulin can safely pass through X-ray machines at airport terminals. However, you can request a visual inspection of your insulin instead. |
| What other considerations should I make? | Keep your insulin with your carry-on luggage and not in checked luggage to avoid extreme pressure and temperature changes. Ensure you have enough insulin pump supplies for your trip, as refills may take up to 14 days. |
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What You'll Learn
- Insulin pumps are designed to withstand electromagnetic interference from security systems
- Notify TSA officers that you have diabetes and are carrying supplies
- Insulin and diabetes medication are allowed through security, even in containers over 3.4 oz
- Insulin pumps are subject to additional screening, including a self-patdown and explosive trace detection
- You can request a visual inspection of your insulin and diabetes supplies instead of an X-ray
Insulin pumps are designed to withstand electromagnetic interference from security systems
Insulin pumps are small, wearable devices that deliver doses of insulin at specific times and are an alternative to multiple daily injections. They are one of the most efficient treatment methods in diabetes therapy. The two main types of insulin pumps are tubed and tubeless. Insulin pumps are designed to withstand common electromagnetic interference, including some airport security systems.
TSA guidelines allow insulin pumps and supplies, but they must be accompanied by insulin, and insulin in any form or dispenser must be clearly identified. Insulin pumps can be exposed to low-frequency electromagnetic fields, with a dominant magnetic component, when near sources such as magneto therapeutic applicators, electric gastronomy devices, and industrial electro thermic appliances.
When travelling with an insulin pump, it is recommended to carry an Airport Information Card and check with the TSA or relevant authority for the latest guidelines. It is also important to note that insulin pumps should not go through X-ray machines or full-body scanners used for security screening. Instead, you should notify the security agent and request an alternate means of screening, such as a physical inspection of your pump.
To ensure a smooth travel experience, it is advisable to have enough insulin pump supplies and check your glucose levels more frequently, especially when crossing time zones.
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Notify TSA officers that you have diabetes and are carrying supplies
It is important to notify the TSA officer that you have diabetes and are carrying your supplies with you. Insulin pumps and supplies must be accompanied by insulin, and insulin in any form or dispenser must be clearly identified. It is recommended that you carry prescription labels for your medication and medical devices, as this will speed up the security process. You can also consider printing out and bringing a TSA Disability Notification Card.
If you wear a CGM device, it is safe for use on U.S. commercial airlines. If questioned by airline personnel, show them your Airport Information Card. If you are asked to turn off your CGM device, you must comply. However, do not send your devices through the X-ray machine. Instead, you can request a visual inspection of your insulin and other diabetes supplies. This may include swabbing for explosives.
Before your screening begins, inform the officer about any supplies on you or in your carry-on. If you have multiple basal rates, carb ratios, or targets that vary throughout the day, pay extra attention to updating the time on your insulin pump. It is also important to check your glucose more frequently while traveling, especially when a time change is involved.
If you have any questions about screening policies and procedures, you can contact the TSA Cares helpline 72 hours prior to traveling.
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Insulin and diabetes medication are allowed through security, even in containers over 3.4 oz
If you have diabetes, you can take your insulin, other medications, and diabetes supplies through airport security. This includes insulin in containers over 3.4 oz, as well as other liquids and gels such as juice and cake gel. However, these items must be removed from your carry-on luggage and declared to the TSA. They should not be placed in the same bag as non-medical liquids. Insulin can generally pass through X-ray machines safely, but you can request a visual inspection if you prefer.
It is recommended that you carry prescription labels for your medication and medical devices, as this will help speed up the security process. You can also bring an unlimited number of unused syringes, as long as they are accompanied by insulin or other injectable medication. Other permitted items include lancets, blood glucose meters, blood glucose meter test strips, alcohol swabs, and meter-testing solutions, and freezer or gel packs to keep your insulin cool.
If you wear an insulin pump, it is safe to go through an airport metal detector as these devices are designed to withstand common electromagnetic interference. However, it is recommended that you do not go through an airport body scanner with your pump, as this could be unsafe. Instead, you can request an alternative pat-down screening process. If you choose this option, you will need to explain to the officer that you cannot remove your infusion set and request a private screening with a witness present if desired.
To prepare for airport security, it is a good idea to carry an Airport Information Card for your insulin pump system and check with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) or your international air carrier for the latest travel rules and guidelines. You can also call the TSA Cares helpline at 1-855-787-2227 if you have any questions or concerns about screening policies and procedures.
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Insulin pumps are subject to additional screening, including a self-patdown and explosive trace detection
Insulin pumps are allowed through airport security, but they are subject to additional screening. Insulin pumps are designed to withstand common electromagnetic interference, so you can go through a metal detector with your insulin pump. However, it is not recommended to go through a body scanner with your pump, as it may not be safe. Instead, you can request an alternative pat-down screening process.
If you choose to undergo a pat-down, you have the right to request that it be done in private with a witness of your choice. The pat-down will typically only be conducted on or near the area where an irregularity was detected. For example, if you wear your pump on your right side, only that area will be examined. After the pat-down, you will also need to undergo explosive trace detection, which involves swabbing your hands for any traces of explosives.
It is important to inform the TSA officer conducting the screening about your insulin pump before the screening process begins. You may also want to carry proof that you have diabetes and that your insulin and needles have been prescribed by a physician. This can include prescription labels or a professional, pre-printed pharmaceutical label identifying the medication. Additionally, consider printing out and bringing a TSA Disability Notification Card.
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You can request a visual inspection of your insulin and diabetes supplies instead of an X-ray
If you are wearing an insulin pump when going through airport security, you should notify the TSA officer that you have diabetes and are carrying your supplies with you. Insulin pumps and supplies must be accompanied by insulin, and insulin in any form or dispenser must be clearly identified. You can request a visual inspection of your insulin and diabetes supplies instead of an X-ray. While insulin can safely pass through X-ray machines at airport terminals, you may have concerns about the X-rays affecting your insulin. In this case, you can request a hand inspection of your supplies.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has launched a helpline called TSA Cares to assist travellers with disabilities and medical conditions. You can call them toll-free 72 hours before travelling with any questions or concerns about screening policies and procedures. They also recommend that you bring prescription labels for your medication and medical devices to speed up the security process. It is also advisable to carry an optional TSA Disability Notification Card and your contact information for your physician.
If you wear a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) device, it is safe for use on U.S. commercial airlines. However, if airline personnel ask you to turn off your device, you must comply. If you are asked to do so, you will have a "data gap" when uploading data into your glucose monitoring software.
It is important to note that insulin pumps are designed to withstand common electromagnetic interference, including some airport security systems. However, it is always a good idea to carry your Airport Information Card when travelling. Additionally, international passengers should consult their individual air carriers for international regulations.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can wear your insulin pump through airport security. However, you must inform the TSA officer that you are wearing it and you may be asked to conduct a self pat-down of the insulin pump followed by an explosive trace detection sampling of your hands.
Yes, it is a good idea to carry your Airport Information Card and to have proof that a physician prescribed your insulin and needles. You can also print out and bring a TSA Disability Notification Card.
Yes, you must declare your insulin to the TSA officer. Insulin is allowed through TSA checkpoints even if the containers are over 3.4 ounces.
Insulin pumps are designed to withstand common electromagnetic interference, so you can go through a metal detector with your insulin pump. However, you should not go through an airport body scanner with your insulin pump and you should not put your insulin pump through the X-ray machine.
