Owais Crawford
If you're travelling with a heart monitor, you may be wondering how to navigate airport security. It's perfectly acceptable to travel with a heart monitor, but it's important to inform the TSA agent before screening. You can do this by showing them your Medical Device ID Card, which will let them know that you have an implanted device. You may be subjected to additional screening, such as a pat-down, to ensure that the heart monitor is the only metal item on your person. However, you should not be screened by a walk-through metal detector if you have an internal medical device.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you go through airport security with a heart monitor? | Yes |
| Do you need to inform the TSA agent about the heart monitor? | Yes |
| What happens if you don't inform the TSA agent? | TSA is required to complete all security measures required for that device/inspection |
| What are the options for screening with a heart monitor? | X-ray machine, metal detector, advanced imaging technology, or pat-down |
| What happens during a pat-down? | A same-sex gender officer will not touch your monitor or bare skin |
| What documents should you carry? | Medical Device ID Card, Disability Notification Card, patient diary or log, or other medical documentation |
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What You'll Learn
Declare your heart monitor to security
If you are wearing a heart monitor, it is important to declare this to security staff before the screening process begins. You can inform the TSA officer that you are wearing a heart monitor and they will advise you on how to proceed. You may be asked to undergo a pat-down inspection instead of walking through a metal detector or scanner. This is because heart monitors contain metal parts that may set off airport security metal detector alarms.
You can also declare your heart monitor by showing a Medical Device ID Card at the first security station. This card identifies you as a patient with an implanted device. After showing your card, follow the security staff’s directions. Depending on the airport, the staff may use a security full-body scanner or a hand-held security wand. If a wand must be used, tell the security officer that you have a heart monitor, and ask them to avoid holding the wand over the device.
If you can safely disconnect your heart monitor, you may be asked to submit it for X-ray screening. However, you should consult the manufacturer of the device to determine whether it can pass through an X-ray, metal detector, or advanced imaging technology for screening. You should also check the functionality of your heart monitor after passing through security to ensure no signal disruption.
In addition to a Medical Device ID Card, you can also use a Disability Notification Card to inform the officer of your situation discreetly. This will help to ensure that you receive the assistance you need while going through airport security with a heart monitor.
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Opt for a pat-down instead of a body scanner
If you are wearing a heart monitor, you are permitted to go through airport security with the monitor attached and operational. However, you should inform the TSA officer that you are wearing a monitor before you enter any body scanner or metal detector. If you fail to do so before the screening, the TSA will be required to carry out all security measures applicable to that device/inspection.
You can opt for a pat-down instead of going through a body scanner. Depending on the airport, it may take longer to find an officer of your gender to perform the pat-down. If you opt out of the body scanner, the TSA officer will give you some basic information about the pat-down procedure and confirm that you still want to opt out. The pat-down may take longer and can be uncomfortable and intrusive, but you have the right to privacy and can be taken to a separate area if you request it.
If you have any internal or external medical devices, such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, or metal implant, you should not be screened by a walk-through metal detector. Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) can be used instead to reduce the likelihood of a pat-down. You should inform the TSA officer about your medical device and consult your physician before flying.
It is recommended that you contact the TSA Cares Helpline before your flight to ensure that someone is aware of your situation and ready to assist you. You can also use a Disability Notification Card to discreetly inform the officer of your condition.
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Carry a medical ID card
If you have a heart monitor, you can go through airport security and keep it on during the flight. However, you may be subjected to additional screening. It is important to inform the TSA officer about your heart monitor and any other disabilities or medical conditions. This can be done verbally, by using a TSA Notification Card, or by providing medical documentation.
To make the process easier, it is recommended to carry a Medical Device ID Card and show it at the first security station. This card identifies you as an implanted device patient. The staff may then decide to send you through the security full-body scanner, which will not harm your device or change its settings. However, your device may contain metal parts that could set off airport security metal detector alarms. In this case, you should not be screened by a walk-through metal detector and should instead request screening by the Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) body scanner or a pat-down.
You can also contact TSA Cares in advance to coordinate with the local TSA airport. A PSS will then be assigned to assist you through the checkpoint screening process and ensure that your medical devices are handled properly. Additionally, you can use a Disability Notification Card to discreetly inform the officer of your situation.
It is important to consult with your physician before flying and to understand any precautions related to your medical devices.
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Declare any medications
If you are travelling with a heart monitor, you are permitted to go through security with the monitor attached and operational. However, you should inform the TSA agent that you are wearing a monitor before you enter any body scanner or metal detector. You may be subjected to additional screening to ensure that the monitor is the only metal item you are carrying. This could include a pat-down inspection, during which you have the right to privacy and can request to be taken to a separate area.
When it comes to declaring medications during airport security, there are several guidelines to follow:
- It is permitted to bring reasonable quantities of liquid medications through security. However, you must declare these items to a TSA officer at the security checkpoint. This includes prescription liquids over 3.4 ounces, as well as water, juice, "liquid nutrition," and gels necessary for a passenger with a medical condition.
- Medically necessary liquids may need to be opened or inspected by security officers. They may be poured into alternative containers or examined in small amounts. If the liquids cannot be opened or X-rayed, you may be required to undergo a pat-down screening, so it is advisable to arrive at the airport early.
- You are allowed to bring ice packs to keep medications cool, but you must declare these to the screening officer.
- It is recommended to carry only the prescription medications and medical liquids you need during your flight in your carry-on bag.
- If you experience any problems during the security screening due to your medications, you can ask to speak with a TSA supervisor, who should be able to resolve the issue.
- For more information about packing and presenting prescription medications, you can contact TSA Cares at least 72 hours before your flight.
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Consult your physician before flying
If you have a heart condition, you can fly safely as a passenger on an airplane, but you need to be aware of the risks and take the necessary precautions. Before booking your ticket, consult your physician to confirm that it is safe for you to fly. Ask your healthcare provider if you should have a health evaluation or make changes to your medication. Make sure you know whether your equipment is safe to take through security, keep a copy of your medical information, and understand the warning signs.
If you have an internal medical device, such as a pacemaker or defibrillator, you should not be screened by a walk-through metal detector (WTMD). Consult with your physician prior to flying. If you choose not to be screened by Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) or you alarm the WTMD, a TSA officer will conduct a pat-down. Inform the TSA officer about the location of any medical devices attached to your body before screening begins. You will not be required to remove them, but you may be subjected to additional screening to ensure that those are the only metal items you are carrying.
If your device is attached to your body, it is subject to additional screening, including a self-pat-down of the device and a test of your hands for any trace of explosives. Medications in pill or other solid forms must also undergo security screening. You can facilitate this process by clearly labeling your medication. Medication can undergo a visual or X-ray screening and may be tested for traces of explosives. If you are carrying medically necessary liquids, gels, or aerosols, you must declare them to TSA officers at the checkpoint for inspection.
If you are uncomfortable using metal detectors or scanners, request a full-body pat-down as an alternative security screening. Move through metal detectors at a normal walking speed and do not pause for more than a few seconds. If your device sets off the detector, tell security personnel and present your ID. If security personnel use a handheld wand for scanning, ask them to move it over your device quickly. Bring a travel letter from your physician with you when you fly.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you are permitted to go through airport security with a heart monitor.
Yes, inform the TSA agent about your heart monitor before the screening process begins. You may be subjected to additional screening to ensure that the heart monitor is the only metal item you are carrying.
You should only remove your heart monitor if instructed by security personnel. If you can safely disconnect your heart monitor, submit it for X-ray screening.
The Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) full-body scanner will not harm your heart monitor or change its programmed settings. However, metal detectors may set off alarms, and security wands could temporarily affect your device.
