Roberta Aguirre
Insulin is a vital medication for people with diabetes, and it's natural to be concerned about how to travel with it. When going through airport security, insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) can usually be worn through metal detectors without issue, but full-body scanners are a different story. While insulin can pass through X-ray machines, insulin pumps and CGMs should be removed before going through a body scanner. It's important to notify security screeners that you have diabetes and are carrying your insulin and supplies, and you may request an alternative screening process if needed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can insulin be scanned at the airport? | Yes, insulin can be scanned at the airport through X-ray machines or hand inspection. |
| What should be done before scanning insulin? | Notify the TSA officer that you have diabetes and are carrying your supplies with you. Place medically necessary liquids in a separate bin for X-ray screening. |
| Can insulin pumps be scanned at the airport? | Yes, insulin pumps can be scanned at the airport. However, it is recommended to remove insulin pumps before going through a body scanner. |
| Can insulin be placed in checked baggage? | No, insulin should not be placed in checked baggage as it may be exposed to extreme temperature and pressure changes, which can affect its effectiveness. |
| What documents are required for carrying insulin? | Proof of prescription, such as a professional, pre-printed pharmaceutical label identifying the medication, and an airport emergency/information card. |
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What You'll Learn
- Insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) can be worn through metal detectors
- Insulin pumps and CGMs must be removed before body scanners
- Insulin and diabetes supplies are allowed in carry-on luggage
- Declare medically necessary liquids for X-ray screening
- Insulin should not be placed in checked baggage
Insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) can be worn through metal detectors
If you are travelling with diabetes, you may be concerned about navigating airport security with your insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor (CGM).
Insulin pumps are small devices that deliver insulin in response to carbohydrate intake. They can be programmed to meet individual needs, and insulin is infused through a small plastic tube called a cannula. CGMs are small devices that monitor blood glucose levels, providing real-time updates through a smartphone app or a receiver. They are inserted under the skin, usually on the belly or arm, and held in place with adhesive tape. Some CGMs can be connected to insulin pumps to offer automated insulin delivery.
When going through airport security, you can continue to wear your insulin pump or CGM when passing through common security systems such as metal detectors. This will not harm the device or trigger an alarm. However, if you go through an airport body scanner, you must remove your insulin pump and CGM. To avoid this, you can request an alternative screening process. It is recommended that you notify security screeners that you have diabetes, are wearing an insulin pump, and are carrying supplies.
It is important to note that insulin should never be placed in checked luggage, as it may be exposed to extreme temperatures and pressure changes that can affect its effectiveness. Instead, keep it in your carry-on luggage and declare any medically necessary liquids over 3.4 ounces to the TSA. Insulin can safely pass through X-ray machines, but if you have concerns, you can request a hand inspection.
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Insulin pumps and CGMs must be removed before body scanners
If you use an insulin pump or continuous glucose monitor (CGM), you may be concerned about passing through security scanners at the airport. Insulin pumps and CGMs are small devices that are worn on the body and used to monitor and manage diabetes. They are considered medical devices.
Insulin pumps and CGMs must be removed before passing through full-body airport scanners. This is because some full-body scanners use X-rays, which may damage the devices. In addition, insulin pumps and CGMs may trigger an alarm when passing through a full-body scanner. Therefore, it is recommended that you inform security screeners that you are wearing an insulin pump and request an alternative screening process, such as a hand inspection. You can also carry a medical device awareness card, which is sponsored by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Airport Operators Association (AOA), to help inform airport staff of your needs.
It is important to note that insulin pumps and CGMs can be worn while passing through common security systems such as airport metal detectors, as they will not harm the devices or trigger an alarm. However, you should still inform security screeners that you are wearing an insulin pump and carrying supplies.
When travelling with insulin, it is important to keep it with you at all times. Insulin should never be placed in checked luggage, as it may be exposed to extreme temperatures and pressure changes that can affect its effectiveness. Instead, keep insulin in your carry-on luggage and declare it to security screeners. Medical liquids, including insulin, are exempt from the typical restrictions on liquids, but they must be removed from your luggage and declared for X-ray screening.
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Insulin and diabetes supplies are allowed in carry-on luggage
If you're travelling with diabetes, it's important to know how to navigate airport security effectively. Insulin and diabetes supplies are typically allowed in carry-on luggage, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
Firstly, inform the TSA officer that you have diabetes and are carrying your supplies with you. You can continue to wear your insulin pump or continuous glucose monitor (CGM) when passing through common security systems, such as airport metal detectors, as they are designed to withstand electromagnetic interference and will not trigger an alarm. However, if you prefer to go through a full-body scanner, you must remove your insulin pump and CGM beforehand. Some scanners may include X-ray technology, which could be harmful to your devices. To avoid X-ray screening, request an alternative inspection process, such as a hand inspection or pat-down.
When packing your carry-on luggage, ensure that all medical liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces are removed and declared separately to TSA officers for X-ray or hand screening. Insulin and insulin-loaded dispensing products, such as vials, jet injectors, epipens, and preloaded syringes, are permitted. However, syringes must be accompanied by insulin or other injectable medication and properly labelled with a pharmaceutical label that clearly identifies the medication. Keep your original insulin box and glucose meter with you as well. Accessories to keep your insulin cool, such as freezer packs or frozen gel packs, are also allowed.
It is important to note that insulin should never be placed in checked baggage. Extreme temperature and pressure changes can affect the effectiveness of insulin. Always inspect your insulin before injecting each dose, and if you notice anything unusual, contact your doctor.
To summarise, insulin and diabetes supplies are allowed in carry-on luggage when travelling by air. Remember to inform TSA officers, separate and declare medical liquids, and request alternative screening if necessary. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth travel experience while effectively managing your diabetes.
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Declare medically necessary liquids for X-ray screening
If you are carrying medically necessary liquids, such as insulin, in your carry-on luggage, you must declare them to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at the checkpoint for inspection. Liquids in containers greater than 3.4 ounces must be removed from your carry-on luggage and placed in a separate bin for X-ray screening. Insulin can safely pass through X-ray machines at airport terminals, but if you have concerns, you can request a hand inspection.
If you are wearing an insulin pump and CGM (sensor and transmitter), you must remove them if you choose to go through a full-body scanner. You may request an alternative screening process to avoid removing your devices. You can continue to wear your insulin pump or CGM through common security systems, such as airport metal detectors, as they will not harm the devices or trigger an alarm.
It is important to never store insulin in checked luggage, as it may be exposed to extreme temperatures and pressure changes that can affect its effectiveness. Keep insulin with you in your carry-on luggage, along with any necessary insulin delivery devices, such as syringes or infusers. Make sure to carry an insulin vial with a pharmaceutical label that clearly identifies the medication.
To facilitate the screening process, plan ahead and pack properly. You can also contact the TSA for specific instructions and regulations regarding medically necessary liquids.
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Insulin should not be placed in checked baggage
Additionally, if your checked baggage is lost or delayed, you will not have access to your insulin, which could be life-threatening. Keeping your insulin with you as carry-on luggage ensures that you have access to your medication at all times.
Further, higher altitudes may lead to incorrect blood glucose readings. Approximately 1-2% lower for every 300m/1000 feet rise due to lower oxygen pressure. This can affect how your body uses insulin, so it is important to have your insulin with you to adjust your dosage as necessary.
Lastly, insulin should not be placed in checked baggage because the hold of an aircraft experiences significant changes in pressure. Insulin can be affected by these severe pressure changes, which could alter its effectiveness. Therefore, it is essential to keep insulin with you in your carry-on luggage to ensure it remains safe and effective throughout your journey.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, insulin can be scanned at the airport. Insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) can be worn through airport metal detectors, but they must be removed before going through body scanners.
Insulin and related supplies must be removed from carry-on luggage and declared to TSA officers for separate X-ray screening. You should also notify the officers that you are carrying these supplies.
Yes, if you do not want to pass through a body scanner, you can request an alternative screening process such as a hand inspection.
No, insulin should never be placed in checked luggage. It could be exposed to extreme temperature changes that may affect its effectiveness.
It is recommended that you carry an airport emergency card and a professional pharmaceutical label identifying the medication. You should also inspect your insulin before each injection, and call your doctor if you notice anything unusual.
