Owais Crawford
If you have diabetes and use an insulin pump, you may be concerned about how to navigate airport security. While insulin pumps are designed to withstand common electromagnetic interference, including some airport security systems, there are a few things to keep in mind when passing through security checkpoints. Firstly, always carry the Airport Information Card for your specific Medtronic insulin pump system, which can be found in the front pocket of your user guide. Additionally, make sure to notify security screeners that you have diabetes, that you are wearing an insulin pump, and are carrying the necessary supplies, including insulin. While you can continue to wear your insulin pump through metal detectors, you must remove it before passing through full-body scanners, as these may include X-ray technology, which could damage your device. If you wish to avoid removing your insulin pump, you may request an alternative screening process, such as a hand search.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can insulin pumps go through airport security? | Yes, but not through X-ray machines or full-body scanners. |
| What should be done instead? | Request an alternative screening process that does not use X-ray. |
| What should be carried when travelling with an insulin pump? | Airport Information Card, insulin, and other diabetes supplies. |
| How should the insulin be stored? | In its original, pharmaceutically labelled container. |
| What else should be kept in mind? | Update the time on your insulin pump, especially when travelling through different time zones. |
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What You'll Learn
Insulin pumps can go through metal detectors
Medtronic insulin pumps can go through airport security metal detectors. Insulin pumps are designed to withstand common electromagnetic interference, including some airport security systems. However, it is important to carry the Airport Information Card for your MiniMed™ system when travelling. It is also recommended to check with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) before travelling, as travel rules are subject to change.
When going through airport security with an insulin pump, 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 must be clearly identified. Devices containing lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries should be carried in carry-on baggage.
While insulin pumps can go through metal detectors, they should not be sent through the X-ray machine used for carry-on or checked luggage. If you choose to go through a full-body scanner, you must remove your insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor (CGM). To avoid removing your devices, you may request an alternative screening process.
It is always a good idea to check with your pump's manufacturer before travelling, as some insulin pumps may have different guidelines or restrictions. Overall, understanding TSA rules for insulin pumps and other diabetes-related equipment is essential to ensure a smooth screening process when travelling with an insulin pump.
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Insulin pumps must not go through X-ray machines
If you are a diabetes patient, you can continue to wear your insulin pump at the airport and during your flight. However, insulin pumps must not go through X-ray machines. The full-body scanner at the airport is a form of X-ray. Therefore, you must remove your insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor (CGM) before going through the full-body scanner. You can request an alternative screening process that does not use X-ray.
To avoid removing your insulin pump, you can request an alternative screening process that does not involve X-ray. You can notify the security screeners that you have diabetes, that you are wearing an insulin pump, and are carrying supplies with you. You can also carry a medical device awareness card, which is sponsored by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Airport Operators Association (AOA). This card covers both insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring systems. Additionally, you can carry the Airport Information Card for your MiniMed™ 780G system, MiniMed™ 770G system, MiniMed™ 670G system, or your MiniMed™ 630G system. This card is located in the front pocket of your user guide.
You must also ensure that your insulin pump and blood glucose meter are updated with the correct time and date, especially when travelling across time zones. It is also recommended to check your glucose more frequently while travelling, as the routine stress of travel, changes in time zones, schedules, activity levels, and unpredictable meal times and types of food can affect your diabetes control.
If you are travelling with lancets, they must be capped and carried with your glucose meter with the manufacturer's name embossed on the meter. You can carry insulin in any form or dispenser, but it must be clearly identified. Insulin pumps and supplies must be accompanied by insulin.
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Alternative screening processes are available
To avoid X-ray screening, you may request an alternative screening process. This could include notifying security screeners that you have diabetes, are wearing an insulin pump, and are carrying necessary supplies. It is recommended to carry the Airport Information Card for your insulin pump system, which can be found in the front pocket of your user guide. Additionally, you may ask for assistance from a Passenger Support Specialist or a Supervisory TSA Officer.
In some countries, specially trained individuals may engage passengers in conversation to detect threats, rather than relying solely on equipment. Another alternative screening process is the use of advanced technology, such as the device introduced in Israel in 2008, which allows passengers to keep their shoes on while passing through metal detectors.
It is always advisable to check with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) or your local authorities for the latest travel rules and guidelines, as these may be subject to change.
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Notify TSA officers about your insulin pump
It is important to notify TSA officers about your insulin pump and related medical supplies. This is because insulin pumps and supplies must be accompanied by insulin, and the insulin must be clearly identified. You can do this by carrying the Airport Information Card for your MiniMed™ system, which can be found in the front pocket of your user guide. This card will help you to quickly and easily communicate your medical needs to TSA officers.
Additionally, you may want to carry a letter from a medical practitioner to confirm your need for an insulin pump and any other medical devices. This can be helpful in case there are any questions or concerns about your devices. It is also a good idea to have your insulin pump and serial number available when travelling, as well as the phone number for Medtronic Diabetes Technical Support, which can be found on the back or bottom of your insulin pump.
When going through airport security, you should not send your insulin pump through the X-ray machine. Instead, you can continue to wear your insulin pump through airport metal detectors, as it will not harm the device or trigger an alarm. If you choose to go through a full-body scanner, you must remove your insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor (CGM). To avoid removing your devices, you may request an alternative screening process that does not use X-ray, such as a hand search supported by ETD (explosive trace detection equipment).
Remember to update the time on your insulin pump when travelling through different time zones, especially if you have multiple basal rates, carb ratios, or targets that vary throughout the day. Additionally, check your glucose more frequently while travelling, as the stress and unpredictable meal times can affect your diabetes control.
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Carry relevant medical evidence and Airport Information Card
It is important to carry relevant medical evidence and an Airport Information Card when travelling with an insulin pump. The Airport Information Card for your MiniMed™ system can be found in the front pocket of your user guide. This card will help you to quickly explain your medical condition to airport staff and security screeners. It is also useful for quickly identifying your insulin pump and other supplies.
You should also carry a letter from a medical practitioner or some other form of medical evidence to confirm your medical device. This will help you to quickly pass through security and avoid any potential issues or delays. It is also a good idea to have this documentation readily available in case of any emergencies during your travels.
In addition to medical evidence, it is important to have your insulin clearly identified and accompanied by the necessary supplies. This may include insulin pump sensors, blood testing equipment, needles, and lancets. It is also recommended to carry extra supplies in case of loss or damage during transit.
To ensure a smooth travel experience, it is advisable to check the latest travel rules and regulations before departing. This includes consulting with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) or the relevant international authorities. By carrying the relevant medical evidence and Airport Information Card, you can help to facilitate a hassle-free journey when travelling with an insulin pump.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, but you must notify the TSA officer that you have diabetes and are carrying your insulin pump and supplies with you. Insulin pumps are designed to withstand common electromagnetic interference, including some airport security systems. However, you should not send your insulin pump through an X-ray machine or a full-body scanner. Instead, you can request an alternative screening process.
You should carry the Airport Information Card for your Medtronic insulin pump system, which is located in the front pocket of your user guide. You should also check with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) before travelling, as travel rules are subject to change.
During the alternative screening process, you will need to remove your insulin pump and CGM (sensor and transmitter). You may also be asked to disconnect your infusion set. You should not be asked to remove your medical device from your body, and alternative screening processes can include a hand search supported by ETD (explosive trace detection equipment).
