Owais Crawford
Insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are common devices used by people with diabetes to manage their condition. However, travelling with these devices can be stressful due to security screening procedures at airports. While insulin pumps are designed to withstand common electromagnetic interference, including some airport security systems, it is important to be aware of the procedures and guidelines to ensure a smooth travel experience. Here is an overview of what you need to know about navigating airport security with an insulin pump.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can insulin pumps go through airport security? | Yes, but they are subject to additional screening. |
| What should you do before going through airport security with an insulin pump? | Notify the TSA officer that you have diabetes and are carrying your supplies. Carry the Airport Information Card for your insulin pump system. |
| Do insulin pumps need to be accompanied by insulin? | Yes, insulin in any form or dispenser must be clearly identified. |
| Can insulin pumps be screened by airport security scanners? | Insulin pumps should not be screened by airport security scanners. Alternative screening processes can be undertaken such as hand search, supported by ETD (explosive trace detection equipment). |
| Can insulin pumps be taken through full-body scanners? | Insulin pumps should not go through the X-ray machine that is used for carry-on or checked luggage. The full-body scanner is also a form of X-ray. |
| Can insulin pumps be taken through metal detectors? | Yes, insulin pumps can withstand exposure to airport metal detectors. |
| Can insulin be carried in hand luggage? | Yes, insulin can be carried in hand luggage and is exempt from the general rule prohibiting liquids over 3.4 ounces. |
| Can insulin be carried in checked luggage? | Insulin should not be stored in checked luggage as it could be affected by severe changes in pressure and temperature. |
| What other considerations should be made when traveling with an insulin pump? | Ensure you have more than enough insulin pump supplies for your trip. Keep your insulin in a medically approved cool bag. |
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What You'll Learn
- Insulin pumps are designed to withstand electromagnetic interference from airport security systems
- Notify the TSA officer that you have diabetes and are carrying supplies
- Insulin pumps and supplies must be accompanied by insulin
- Insulin pumps should not go through X-ray machines
- Alternative screening methods are available, such as hand searches
Insulin pumps are designed to withstand electromagnetic interference from airport security systems
Insulin pumps are designed to withstand common electromagnetic interference from airport security systems. However, it is important to note that insulin pumps should not be exposed to X-ray screening, including airport baggage X-ray machines. When passing through airport security with an insulin pump, notify the security agent and request an alternative means of screening, such as a physical inspection of your pump.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows diabetes-related supplies, equipment, and medication, including liquids, through the checkpoint once they have been properly screened by X-ray or hand inspection. It is recommended to carry an Airport Information Card for your insulin pump system and to inform the TSA officer that you have diabetes and are carrying your supplies.
If you are travelling with a Tandem Diabetes Care insulin pump, it is designed to withstand electromagnetic interference from airport metal detectors but should not be exposed to X-ray screening. If you prefer to go through an airport body scanner, you should remove your insulin pump and Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) and request an alternative screening process that does not use X-ray.
Your insulin pump, infusion set, reservoir, and CGM system can withstand exposure to airport metal detectors used at airport security checkpoints. However, devices with radio frequency capabilities should not be used on an aircraft, according to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements.
It is important to monitor your glucose levels frequently while travelling, as the stress and routine hassles of travel, changes in time zones, schedules, and unpredictable meal times can affect your diabetes control.
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Notify the TSA officer that you have diabetes and are carrying supplies
If you have diabetes and are carrying supplies, it is important to notify the TSA officer. This includes insulin pumps, glucose monitors, and other diabetes-related supplies, equipment, and medication. While it is common to take these items through airport security, informing the officer beforehand ensures they are properly screened and allows you to request alternative screening methods if necessary.
When travelling with an insulin pump, it is advisable to carry an Airport Information Card or a Medical Device Awareness Card. These cards provide essential information about your insulin pump and can be presented to airport security staff if questioned about your device. You may also need to provide proof that a physician prescribed your insulin and needles, such as a professional, pre-printed pharmaceutical label.
Before the screening process begins, inform the TSA officer about any diabetes supplies you are carrying. You have the right to decide whether to be screened by Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) scanners or to request a pat-down. If you choose to go through an airport body scanner, you may be asked to remove your insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor (CGM). However, it is important to note that these devices should not be sent through an X-ray machine, as recommended by manufacturers.
Instead of X-ray screening, you can request a visual inspection or hand search of your diabetes supplies. This may include swabbing for explosives. To prevent contamination or damage to your medication and supplies, you may be asked to handle and repack your own items during the visual inspection. Remember to keep your supplies with you in your carry-on bag, as insulin should not be stored in checked luggage due to potential changes in pressure and temperature.
By notifying the TSA officer about your diabetes and carrying the necessary documentation, you can ensure a smoother screening process when travelling with insulin pumps and diabetes supplies. For further assistance, travellers with disabilities and medical conditions can contact the TSA Cares helpline 72 hours prior to travelling to ask questions about screening policies and procedures.
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Insulin pumps and supplies must be accompanied by insulin
Insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices are allowed through airport security. However, passengers with insulin pumps and other medical devices should be aware of certain procedures and requirements to ensure a smooth journey.
Firstly, insulin pumps and supplies must be accompanied by insulin. Insulin in any form or dispenser must be clearly identified. It is recommended to travel with your original insulin box and glucose meter that shows the pharmaceutical label. This will ensure that airport staff are aware of the medication's purpose and can identify it as a necessary medical supply.
Secondly, it is important to notify the TSA officer or security personnel that you have diabetes and are carrying your insulin pump and supplies. This will enable them to provide any necessary assistance and facilitate the screening process. You may also request a Passenger Support Specialist or a Supervisory TSA Officer for additional help.
Thirdly, insulin pumps and CGM devices should not be exposed to X-ray screening or full-body scanners. These devices are sensitive to X-rays and can be damaged by the radiation. Instead, passengers can opt for alternative screening methods such as a pat-down or hand inspection. It is within your rights to request a screening method that does not involve X-rays, and you should not be asked to remove your medical device during the screening.
Finally, it is advisable to carry important documents and supplies with you. This includes an Airport Information Card, a Medical Device Awareness Card, or a letter from a medical practitioner that confirms your use of an insulin pump or CGM. Additionally, ensure you have enough insulin pump supplies for your trip, as refilling them during travel may take time.
By following these guidelines, passengers with insulin pumps can navigate airport security with greater ease and peace of mind.
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Insulin pumps should not go through X-ray machines
It is important to note that insulin pumps should not be sent through X-ray machines at airport security. While insulin pumps are designed to withstand common electromagnetic interference, including some airport security systems, they should not be exposed to X-ray screening. This includes the full-body scanner, which is also a form of X-ray.
Passengers with medical devices such as insulin pumps have the right to decide whether to be screened by Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) scanners or to request a pat-down. If you opt for a pat-down, you have the right to request that it be done in private with a witness of your choice. To avoid removing your insulin pump, you can request an alternative screening process that does not use X-ray, such as a hand search supported by Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) equipment.
It is recommended to carry an Airport Information Card or a Medical Device Awareness Card, which provides information about insulin pumps to security officers. This can help ease the stress and potential embarrassment of dealing with airport security and ensure they are educated on the purpose of your life-saving equipment. Additionally, it is advised to carry proof that a physician prescribed your insulin and needles, such as a professional, pre-printed pharmaceutical label.
To ensure a smooth screening process, it is important to notify the TSA officer that you have diabetes and are carrying your insulin pump and supplies. You can also contact the TSA beforehand to inquire about specific screening policies and procedures. By being proactive and informed, you can ensure a safe and efficient journey through airport security with your insulin pump.
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Alternative screening methods are available, such as hand searches
Insulin pumps and blood glucose meters are allowed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). However, insulin pumps and other diabetes supplies are subject to additional screening. Passengers with insulin pumps or Continuous Glucose Monitoring systems (CGMs) should not be screened by a security scanner; instead, they must be offered an alternative screening method. Alternative screening methods are available, such as hand searches, which can be supported by explosive trace detection equipment.
If you are travelling with an insulin pump, you should inform the officer conducting the screening about the pump before the screening process begins. You can also request to use Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) scanners instead of traditional metal detectors. If you choose a full pat-down or if you are subjected to additional screening because you set off a metal detector, you have the right to have this screening done in private with a witness of your choice.
Insulin pumps should not go through the X-ray machine that is used for carry-on or checked luggage. The full-body scanner is also a form of X-ray. If you do prefer to go through a body scanner, be sure to remove your insulin pump and CGM, but do not send your devices through the X-ray machine as an alternative. It is important to note that insulin should not be stored in checked luggage, as it could be affected by severe changes in pressure and temperature.
To avoid removing your devices, you should request an alternative screening process that does not use X-ray. You can also carry an Airport Information Card or a Medical Device Awareness Card, which can help inform airport staff about your insulin pump.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, but you may be required to undergo additional screening. Insulin pumps and blood glucose meters are allowed by the TSA, but they must be accompanied by insulin.
Yes, it is recommended that you notify the TSA officer that you are carrying diabetes supplies, including an insulin pump.
It is generally recommended that you do not put your insulin pump through a full-body scanner or an X-ray machine. You can request an alternative screening method, such as a pat-down.
It is advised to carry proof that a physician prescribed your insulin and needles, such as a professional, pre-printed pharmaceutical label. You may also want to carry your insulin pump's Airport Information Card.
Make sure you have enough insulin pump supplies for your trip. It is also important to monitor your glucose levels frequently and be prepared for any changes in time zones, schedules, and meal routines, which can affect your diabetes control.
