Lois Larson
If you're travelling with diabetes medication or medical equipment, you can take insulin pens, vials, and cartridges of insulin through all airport security scanners and detectors in the UK. However, insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) should not be screened by X-ray or security scanners on the luggage belt, so you'll need to carry them with you to be manually checked. From June 2024, UK airports will be changing the devices used to scan people and their carry-on luggage, so it's worth checking the latest guidance before you fly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scanners | Body scanning equipment is designed to keep passengers clothed and only takes a few seconds. Scanners do not use x-rays. |
| Liquid containers | Containers over 100ml are allowed for essential medical purposes with a prescription or medical note. |
| Medicines | Medicines containing controlled drugs may require containers to be opened for screening. Medical equipment is screened separately. |
| Insulin | Insulin pens and vials can go through x-ray with hand luggage. |
| Insulin pumps and CGMs | These should not be screened by x-ray or security scanners. They can be manually checked. |
| Lithium-ion batteries | Commonly used in vaping devices, these are prohibited in checked baggage. |
| Gas-powered curling tongs | These can be packed in hand luggage or hold luggage, but the safety cover must be fitted. |
| Screening | The final decision on whether an item is allowed rests with the TSA officer. |
| Security staff | Security staff are not permitted to let anything they consider dangerous through security. |
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What You'll Learn
Liquid medication
If you are travelling with liquid medication, you will need to inform a security official at the start of the screening process. While the standard liquid limit at UK airports is 100ml, passengers are allowed to carry larger amounts of liquid medication. However, you must carry proof, such as a letter from a doctor or a copy of a prescription, for liquid medicines over 100ml. If your liquid medication is in a container larger than 100ml, or it is under 100ml but will not fit into your 20x20cm bag, you must carry it separately in your hand luggage.
Controlled substances, such as cannabis, codeine, fentanyl and testosterone, are under strict government control and must be accompanied by a letter of proof from the prescriber. This letter must include your name, the dates of travel, the signature of the prescriber, and a list of medications with the amount and dosage of each.
You may be asked to open your bottles or containers of medically necessary liquids for inspection and testing. This may include pouring the liquid into alternative containers or examining small amounts. If your liquid medication cannot be opened or X-rayed, you will still be allowed to bring it, but you will probably have to undergo a pat-down screening, so be sure to arrive at the airport early.
You can also take liquids bought at an airport or on a plane (such as duty-free) through security if they are sealed inside a security bag.
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Insulin pumps and CGMs
If you are travelling with an insulin pump or continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device, you should not be screened by airport security scanners. Insulin pump and CGM manufacturers advise that the medical devices should not be exposed to x-ray screening and full-body airport scanners due to potential damage.
To avoid any issues, it is recommended that you carry an Airport Information Card or a Medical Device Awareness Card, which provides information about insulin pumps and CGMs for both airport security officers and passengers. The card is sponsored by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Airport Operators Association (AOA) and covers both insulin pumps and CGM systems. You can print it off from the CAA website and take it to the airport with you.
You should also carry your insulin and any other supplies in your carry-on luggage, as insulin can freeze in the hold, and pumps can be damaged by luggage scanners. You can take insulin pens through all airport security scanners and detectors, but vials and cartridges of insulin should go through the x-ray with the rest of your hand luggage. Make sure you are using a medically approved cool bag to transport your insulin, otherwise, security staff may not accept it.
If you wear a CGM device, it is safe to use on U.S. commercial airlines. If you are asked to turn off your CGM device, you must comply, but this will result in a "data gap" when uploading data into your diabetes management software.
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Lithium-ion batteries
When it comes to travelling with lithium-ion batteries, there are some important restrictions to keep in mind. Firstly, spare batteries must be carried in the cabin, and passengers are advised to make arrangements with their airline at least 48 hours in advance. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) sets a limit of one spare battery not exceeding 300 Wh, or two spare batteries not exceeding 160 Wh each. It is important to note that airlines and security screening agencies have the right to refuse the carriage of certain dangerous goods, and additional restrictions may be imposed by individual countries.
If you are travelling with a battery-powered wheelchair or mobility aid, you must contact your airline in advance to inform them of the type of batteries you are carrying and how the device can be protected against inadvertent operation. Non-spillable batteries, commonly found in wheelchairs and mobility aids, must comply with ICAO Technical Instructions.
When going through airport security, officers may ask you to power up your electronic devices, including cell phones. Devices without power may not be permitted onboard the aircraft. It is important to plan ahead and pack properly to facilitate the screening process and ensure a smooth travel experience. Even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or prohibited from passing through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm, appears tampered with, or raises security concerns.
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Medical equipment
When travelling with medical equipment, it is important to plan ahead and be aware of the relevant regulations. Medical equipment is screened separately from other luggage. You should allow at least one hour to go through security in case your luggage or medical equipment needs to be checked.
Insulin pens and vials can go through airport security scanners and detectors, but insulin cannot be placed in the hold as it may freeze. Insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) should not be screened by X-ray or security scanners, so carry these with you to be manually checked. You can request that security staff switch off the scanner so that it does not affect your medical technology. You can also ask for an alternative method of screening, such as a pat-down.
If you are travelling with essential medicine, you can take containers over 100ml through security, but you will need prior approval from the airline and departure airport, as well as supporting documentation from a relevant qualified medical professional. Amounts under 100ml should be placed in a transparent plastic bag with other liquids. You may be asked to verify the liquid by tasting it.
Vapes are permitted through airport security, but they must be carried in your hand luggage. Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in vaping devices, are prohibited in checked baggage. If you carry spare batteries, place them in a protective case and store them in your carry-on luggage.
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Body scans
Body scanners are used at airport security to screen passengers before they enter restricted areas. These scanners are designed to put passengers at ease, allowing them to remain fully clothed and taking only a few seconds to complete the scan. Manchester Airport, for example, assures passengers that their scanners are completely safe and do not use x-rays.
Passengers with medical devices, such as insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), may request alternative screening methods at security. They can ask for a pat-down or request that the scanner be switched off if it could potentially affect their technology. These devices should not be screened by x-ray or security scanners on the luggage belt and should be carried through security to be manually checked. It is recommended to keep these supplies in a separate bag within carry-on luggage to expedite the process. Additionally, insulin pens and vials can pass through airport security scanners and detectors, but documentation may be requested.
It is important to note that airport security staff have the authority to deny items they deem dangerous or unresolved security concerns, even if previously allowed in hand luggage. Passengers should always check with their airline and airport for specific restrictions and guidelines, as policies may vary.
Passengers should also be aware that certain items, such as liquids, have specific restrictions. Liquids in containers larger than 100ml are typically not permitted through security, with some exemptions for essential medical purposes with proper documentation. Lithium-ion batteries, for example, are prohibited in checked baggage due to safety concerns.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can take your own blood through UK airport security, but it must be declared and screened separately. You may be asked to verify the liquid by tasting it.
Yes, you should declare any blood or medical equipment you are carrying.
Yes, you will need to provide documentation from a relevant qualified medical professional, such as a letter from your doctor or a prescription.
It depends on the airport. Some airports use X-ray machines, while others use different types of scanners. If you are concerned about X-ray radiation, you can request an alternative method of screening, such as a pat-down.
