Sachin Walls
If you wear an insulin pump, you may be wondering how to get it through airport security. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows diabetes-related supplies, equipment, and medication, including liquids, through checkpoints after proper screening by X-ray or hand inspection. It is recommended to carry an Airport Information Card and prescription labels for medication, and to inform the TSA officer about your insulin pump and supplies before screening begins. You may also go through a metal detector with your insulin pump, but if you prefer a body scanner, you must remove your pump and request a pat-down screening instead.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you wear an insulin pump through airport security? | Yes, but you must notify the TSA officer that you have diabetes and are carrying your supplies. |
| What about insulin pumps and X-ray machines? | Insulin pumps should not go through the X-ray machine that is used for carry-on or checked luggage. |
| What about insulin pumps and metal detectors? | You may go through a metal detector with your insulin pump as these devices are designed to withstand common electromagnetic interference. |
| What about insulin pumps and body scanners? | You should not go through an airport body scanner with your insulin pump. If you do, you must remove your insulin pump. If you do not wish to remove your insulin pump, you may request an alternative pat-down screening. |
| What about insulin and liquids? | Despite the general rule prohibiting liquids over 3.4 ounces through security, people with diabetes may take their insulin and other liquids and gels through TSA checkpoints, even if they are in containers greater than 3.4 ounces. |
| What about insulin pump supplies? | Diabetic passengers may bring diabetes-related supplies, equipment, and medication—including liquids—through the checkpoint once they have been properly screened by X-ray or hand inspection. |
| What about insulin pump batteries? | Devices containing lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries should be carried in carry-on baggage. |
| What about insulin pump manufacturers' recommendations? | Some manufacturers recommend that you not go through AIT scanners with your devices, while others have no such contraindications. |
| What about insulin pump international travel? | International passengers should consult their individual air carriers for international regulations. |
| What about insulin pump support? | TSA recently launched TSA Cares, a new helpline number designed to assist travelers with disabilities and medical conditions. Travelers may call TSA Cares toll-free at 1-855-787-2227 72 hours prior to traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures, and what to expect at the security checkpoint. |
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What You'll Learn
- Insulin pumps are designed to withstand electromagnetic interference from security systems
- Inform TSA officers that you have diabetes and are carrying supplies
- Insulin and diabetes-related supplies are allowed through security once screened
- Insulin pumps are subject to additional screening, including a self patdown
- Keep insulin in carry-on luggage, not checked luggage, to avoid pressure changes
Insulin pumps are designed to withstand electromagnetic interference from security systems
Insulin pumps are designed to withstand common electromagnetic interference from security systems, including some airport security systems. This means that you can go through an airport metal detector with your insulin pump without harming the device or triggering an alarm.
However, it is important to note that insulin pumps are not designed to go through all airport security systems. For example, you should not go through an airport body scanner with your insulin pump, as this could affect the device. If you are wearing an insulin pump, you can request an alternative pat-down screening instead of going through the body scanner.
Before going through airport security, it is recommended to inform the TSA officer that you have diabetes, are wearing an insulin pump, and are carrying supplies. You may also want to carry an Airport Information Card or a letter from your doctor stating that you need to wear an insulin pump and carry glucose and food with you at all times.
Additionally, it is important to keep your insulin with you in your carry-on bag, as storing it in checked luggage could expose it to severe changes in pressure and temperature. The TSA allows diabetes-related supplies, equipment, and medication, including liquids, to pass through the checkpoint after proper screening by X-ray or hand inspection. However, you have the option to request a visual inspection of your insulin and other diabetes supplies instead of X-ray screening.
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Inform TSA officers that you have diabetes and are carrying supplies
It is important to inform TSA officers that you have diabetes and are carrying supplies. This includes insulin pumps and blood glucose meters. You should also carry the Airport Information Card for your insulin pump system. If you are wearing a CGM device, it is safe for use on U.S. commercial airlines, and you should show your Airport Information Card to airline personnel if questioned about the use of your device.
You can go through a metal detector with your insulin pump, as these devices are designed to withstand common electromagnetic interference. However, you should not go through an airport body scanner with your insulin pump, as this has not been deemed safe. Instead, you can request an alternative pat-down screening process. If you do prefer to go through an airport body scanner, you must remove your insulin pump, but do not send it through the X-ray machine.
You have the option of requesting a visual inspection of your insulin and other diabetes supplies rather than putting them through the X-ray. You must request this before the screening process begins, or your supplies will undergo X-ray inspection. You should separate your supplies from your other belongings in a pouch or bag. You may also carry your glucagon in its original, pharmaceutically labelled container through airport security.
If you encounter any difficulty when trying to pass through airport security, ask to speak with the TSA ground security commissioner or the international equivalent. You can also call the TSA Cares helpline number, designed to assist travellers with disabilities and medical conditions.
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Insulin and diabetes-related supplies are allowed through security once screened
Insulin pumps are designed to withstand common electromagnetic interference, including some airport security systems. It is quite common to take an insulin pump through airport security. However, it is always a good idea to carry the Airport Information Card for your insulin pump system. You should also check with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) before travelling, as travel rules are subject to change.
If you choose to go through an airport metal detector, you can continue to wear your insulin pump. However, you should not go through an airport body scanner with your insulin pump, and you should remove it before going through. If you do not wish to remove your insulin pump, you may request an alternative pat-down screening. If you are wearing an insulin pump, you can be screened without disconnecting from the pump, but it is important to inform the officer conducting the screening about the pump before the screening process begins.
You can also call TSA Cares, a helpline number designed to assist travellers with disabilities and medical conditions, 72 hours prior to travelling with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint.
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Insulin pumps are subject to additional screening, including a self patdown
Insulin pumps are allowed through airport security, and it is quite common for passengers to wear them while passing through metal detectors. However, insulin pumps are subject to additional screening procedures. Before the screening begins, inform the TSA officer that you are wearing an insulin pump and carrying diabetes supplies. You may be required to produce a prescription or a letter from your doctor stating your need for the insulin pump.
Passengers with 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 choose to go through an AIT scanner, you must remove your insulin pump and any continuous glucose monitor (CGM) devices. This is because the safety of these devices in body imaging scanners and X-ray machines has not been established. You can request a private screening with a witness present.
If you prefer not to pass through an AIT scanner, you may request an alternative pat-down screening. This typically involves a self pat-down of the insulin pump, followed by an explosive trace detection sampling of your hands. You do not need to disconnect from your insulin pump during the pat-down. If you are wearing a CGM device, you may be asked to turn it off, which will result in a "data gap" in your readings.
To avoid any issues, it is recommended to carry the Airport Information Card for your insulin pump system and check with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) before travelling. Keep your insulin in your carry-on luggage, and separate it from other liquids. Do not place it in checked luggage, as it could be affected by changes in pressure and temperature.
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Keep insulin in carry-on luggage, not checked luggage, to avoid pressure changes
It is highly recommended that you keep your insulin in your carry-on luggage, rather than in checked luggage. This is because insulin can be affected by pressure and temperature changes, and you want to be able to monitor it and keep it safe. The general rule prohibiting passengers from bringing liquids over 3.4 ounces through security does not apply to people with diabetes, who may take their insulin and other medications through TSA checkpoints, even in containers greater than 3.4 ounces.
Insulin and other diabetes supplies can be screened by X-ray or hand inspection. If you prefer a hand inspection, you must request this before the screening process begins. You can also request a pat-down inspection instead of a full-body scanner, as some insulin pumps have not been tested for exposure to X-rays. You can also request to use Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) scanners instead of traditional metal detectors, if available.
If you are wearing an insulin pump, you can keep it on while going through a metal detector, as it will not harm the device or trigger an alarm. However, you must remove your insulin pump if going through a body scanner. If you do not wish to remove your insulin pump, you can request an alternative pat-down screening. It is a good idea to carry an Airport Information Card, which you can show to security personnel if you are questioned about your device.
To ensure a smooth security process, consider printing out and bringing a TSA Disability Notification Card, as well as prescription labels for your medication and medical devices. Keep your medication in a separate clear, sealable bag inside your carry-on luggage. You should also bring a written list of all prescribed medications in case of loss or damage during travel.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can wear your insulin pump through airport security. However, you must inform the TSA officer that you are wearing an insulin pump and carrying supplies. You may also be required to present a doctor's prescription for your insulin and needles.
You can ask to speak with the TSA ground security commissioner or the international equivalent. You can also call the TSA Cares helpline at 1-855-787-2227.
It is important to carry more than enough insulin pump supplies for your trip. You should also keep your insulin in your carry-on bag and not in checked luggage, as it could be affected by severe changes in pressure and temperature.
