AIRPORT SECURITY WITH DIABETES SUPPLIES
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- čas přidán 5. 09. 2024
- Hey everyone! I wanted to give some basic tips for how to go through airport security with diabetes supplies. I've always struggled with the question "Can you go through a full body scanner with an insulin pump?" (3:43), and I've been given conflicting information regarding this. Going through a full body scanner with an insulin pump is something you will have to decide for yourself, so make sure to do your own research and talk to your pump company/doctor before flying :). Happy Travels!
DISCLAIMER: I am not a healthcare professional. Do not take any of the content on this channel as medical advice. Always talk with your diabetes education team or primary care physician before making changes to your diabetes management.
instagram: @miche_lo
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omnipod and the freestyle libre are fine with being full body scanned btw! and the pdm and spare pods are able to go through the xray too! All other pumps and cgms are a no go though!!
Thanks for letting us know, Tara :) !
It is always best to get the metal detector and pat down. Always tell tsa you have medical supplies majorly if you have your insulin vials
Yes the freestyle libre can go trough 'radiation'... I was worried about X-rays for my veterinary study and mailed them and it's not a problem! You can go trough quite a lot of radiation with a freestyle libre ... You can go trough the fullbody! They say you can't but when you ask about the numbers about the kind of radiation and stuff, it really isn't a problem! I have no experience with a pump, but the freestyle libre is just fine!
No pumps can. I destroyed my cosmo, animas, and my first Omnipod. It’s best to get the pat down.
I have been flying with Type 1 diabetes for years after being a diagnosed 55 years ago. I always show them my insulin pump, as I have been on the Medtronic pump for 20 years. I have been "wanded" every time I have flown. I even had a TSA agent ask me about my insulin pump because she had a child with Type 1 diabetes. I explained everything and she thanked me for the information.
Yes, they just need to wand or pat down, my son has medtronic and we are travelling to Spain from Ireland soon. The pump won't be going through scanners. We have a letter. I do wonder why people are having issues.
I've never been on a plane. The idea gives me so much anxiety. Now, having Type 1 diabetes, it intimidates me even more :/ But this helped a lot for whenever I decide I'm ready :)
Don't worry! You will be completely fine. The first time going through airport security, you should probably tell the TSA agents that you have T1D and are carrying medical supplies. Most of them are very helpful and will guide you through the process :).
Thanks for all the helpful tips !!!
I went from europe to US, and had a layover in Atlanta and then flew to mississippi to be with my fiance (he's from there) and I brought all my supplies including the freestyle libre sensors and tons and tons of needles and test strips , glucose tablets and nothing....not on the way there or back did they say anything about it non at all. I had document in english with me to say that I was caring supplies for diabetes and 3 epipens for a nut allergy and it was all fine.
I was wearing the Freestyle libre sensor and I did not say anything to any of them and they never even asked about it... So relax and hope you have a wonderful vacation. My fiance and I are heading from US, New orleans to norway and italy for our honeymoon next year and I very seriously doubt they will be making a problem about it.
Thank you! :) This is encouraging me!!!
I've used Medtronic pumps for roughly 7 yrs and have had no technical issues following TSA checks. I contacted my endocrinologist to verify before my 1st flight to get the all clear.
I've never mentioned having supplies in my carry on, but do slowwwwly pull out my pump and inform them that I am type 1 to not cause any alarm.
That does generally lead them to wipe a finger and test it for residue of some chemical that I can only assume is used in explosives. They have always shown the highest level of professionalism towards me in these instances though. It just takes an extra minute or two usually. Just remain calm.
Same for me, I also use the Medtronic, and in past Animas and cgms, Medtronic CGM and Dexcom with no issues going through security. None of my diabetic supplies became defective.
Just wanted to let you know that you can have your endo write in your letter that you need juice or whatever liquid to treat lows. They have to allow it through as medical supplies. Some have gotten it through without the letter specifying, but with the letter they have to let it through.
Trevor Harder I haven’t had the chance to go through airport security since I started my 1st ever Pump 7 weeks ago. Don’t remember ever having issues putting my syringes, vials, pens, meter, etc thru X-ray machines. I always told TSA I had diabetic supplies with me. After starting pump, I’ve joined online support groups. A lot of ppl mentioned the ADA & how diabetics are covered by the Act. Wish I knew during the times I traveled often for work! I absolutely believe we should be able to carry juice or drinks for lows cuz we never know when one is going to hit. Have also heard that T1s recently haven’t been able to bring their medical bags into sporting events (pro & school sponsored) & concerts. Legally we should be able to carry our supplies everywhere.
Glad I found this. My son is going on his first flight since diagnosis. And little worried about all the TSA stuff.
Those who do take that risk, make it that much harder for those who are vigilant and cautious to not take the risk because it contributes exactly to tsa telling pwd that oh its ok its fine because they see other people doing it, some of those people don’t know any better. But tsa will not pay for any damages to your supplies. You have the right to refuse body scanners, and your transmitters and sensors arent gonna get replaced by company of you put them thru the conveyor belt scanner that the supplies specifically state do not put thru. The key word you must tell tsa is that they are MEDICAL supplies, including your bottled water.
As a brand new pump user, I’ve been researching different topics. A tip I read about airport security is to contact airports/TSA b4 day of travel. Ask for TSA Cares. When you arrive at airport, TSA knows abt pumps, CGMs, etc and their special needs. I also read that many airports will not make T1s wait in long security lines. Just sharing what I’ve read...would love opportunity to fly somewhere!!
Loved your video! I’m not the only one stressing in the airport ? Hi 👋 everyone in the comments 😉. I recently got a Medtronic and the instructions say to NOT put it through the airport X-ray. I usually hand my pump to the TSA agent & then I walk through the X-ray, and they hand it back to me. It seems TSA agents are quite familiar with diabetic pumps these days.
Thank you for your video and your honesty. I know the implications of saying you go through the scanner and no one ever wants to say they do. But i will think about it and weigh my options. i appreciate you taking the time to talk about this!
Very interesting subject. I actually just posted on a Medtronic forum to get more clarification... I've sent my pump through x-ray and millimeter wave scanners dozens of times traveling.... No issues that I'm aware of on my pump. I must be either super lucky and oblivious or such scanning is only affecting a very small subset of pumps.
That's very interesting that your pump was not affected by the X-ray scanner! I have never sent my pump through that scanner because I always thought that X-rays were more likely to affect the electronics due to the small wavelength. I'm interested in hearing the response you receive on the Medtronic forum :)
Thanks for making this video it does make me feel more at ease about flying.
awesome video, one thing you forgot to mention insulin should not be put through the x-ray machine as it can alter the insulin. So it’s best just to get a visual inspection of your insulin at the very least.
That's a relief. I'm about to begin traveling quite a bit as a wind tech. So it's good to know i shouldn't have too many issues traveling with my supplies.
Thanks for this video! I just started using a pump and CGM this year and haven't taken them on an airplane yet. I've been feeling nervous about what to do at security but you make it seem not too bad. :D
I'm glad this video could help :) !
Such an important and informative video ! Thanks for relieving my stress of traveling a bit !!
Things are soooo much better than 10 to 20 years ago! I use to be taken to a private area for TSA non-medical to 'inspect' my pump LOL! I once had an agent pull at my pump to try and get it off me... So crazy! Now, I do the scanner AND they pat me down ! No biggie... After my carryon goes through someone always says ' Diabetic?' :)
Amanda Mctyre No way!! Oh my gosh that would be awful to be taken into a private room every time! I'm so glad it isn't like that anymore.
Amazing video. Very helpful. I haven’t traveled since getting 640G but I think I would request pet down. Also I have to say that I was only asked ones to go though full body scanner in Brussels and I travel a lot in Europe, I had libre on and it was all fine but at that time I didn’t have insulin pump. I visited Belgium just after that extremely unfortunate terror attract so I guess security measures were at maximum. I hope your trip was great 😊😊😊😁😁
Diabetic_Energetic Thanks so much!! I agree, the full body scanner definitely isn't as common in Europe as it is in North America. Here, it's very rare to not have to go through one.
I'll be traveling to Europe next year. We went back in April but I didn't have my cgm. I'm hoping to have my pump by then. I had drs notes and supplies both on me and in my husbands (bf at the time) carry on too.
I wear the freestlye libre sensor and went through the full body scanner 4 times with the same sensor it worked completely fine. I don't have a pump.
I put medical supplies in my check in suitcase. I have a prescription copy in there too. Never an issue... yet.
Thank you you’re advice it’s put my mind a rest thank you
I’ve gone through the full body scanner with my Dexcom before and nothing happened to it. I wouldn’t have made my flight if I hadn’t. My pump didn’t have a problem either. Nothing happened at all. My Dexcom didn’t even make it go off. I don’t know if I’d risk it again just to be on the safe side. If I know I’m late or if security is long, I might.
I usually take off my pump as it contains metal and would make a signal when going through metal detector (I also remove belt, keys, etc. -- I hate making anything signal). At that point there are usually questions about the pump, and it gets hand inspected while I go through the full-body scan (on USA flights) . . . the full body scan always picks up my infusion site and mysteriously always puts something on my ankle when nothing exists there. My fiance often waits and watches my belongings as he usually gets through easier, and is less stressed by the process. Usually when travelling in remote locations (on a cruise) I will also take a loaner pump which also gets hand-inspected as Medtronic claims they shouldn't go through the X-ray . . . its a bit disconcerting seeing a sealed box from the pump company opened, but they probably expect opened packages being return after pumpers travel overseas.
The liquid tip is helpful for me. I went to Mexico last year and I always carry a mini Coke bottle and stuff like that and I had a hard time getting it through security. I’ll just buy something after security next time 🙂
If you are in Brazil you have insulin pens and glucose strips for free, even you are a tourist here. Very different if you are in Portugal for exemple. Where I have had a nightmares experience in order to buy one glass of insuline.
Thank you for this information. We are travelling next month and I'll be wearing my freestyle libre sensor. I read on Abbott website that going through full body scanner can make the sensor reading not accurate. I'm going to get a pat down. I'll be at the airport super early. Always love your videos.
I travel from Canada through the US for work and recently got the libre. It gets a look at afterwards each time. I keep insulin pens in a liquid gel to keep cool, and that 75% of the time gets a second look through the X-ray. Speaking of xrays, I needed one on my shoulder, again no issue with libre. When I get an MRI however, I’ll need to take it off I suspect.
❤️your videos ... so informative ... and easing my anxiety a bit!
My pump has gone through the full body scanner for several years with no problems. I never get stopped with my medication in the X ray machine. They always pat me down afterwards. I have to rub my pump then they dust my hands for any foreign substances.
I am a new type 1. Traveled for the first time last fall by air. Going to my destination I
oops! Going to my destination I requested a pat down. Coming home I figured I had new supplies at home if it killed the transmitter or sensor so I went through the full body scan with my Dexcom G6. I had no problems after, and the amount of time it took to get through security with a pat down was ridiculous. I was told by my DME supplier that several manufacturers have not tested their devices in the scanner so they just advise not to do it. I will be scanned in the future. I always carry an extra sensor when traveling anyway.
I travel from Detroit to Heathrow UK with tslimx2 pump and Dexcom Detroit was a bit of a invasive nightmare they not only tested my pump they completely tipped out the bag l had for all the insulin and pump supplies l went for a month so u can imagine how delighted l was after they had patted me down and did the wand thing on the supply’s l was was left to repack the mess, Heathrow were a lot better they let me put the medical bag through with my hand luggage, you can have a separate bag for medical supplies you don’t have to include it with your hand luggage as long as you label it medical supplies l got a large luggage tag from Etsy that was red.
your videos are always so reassuring 😌
What about xtra Libre’ sensors? Pack in suitcase (risk theft?), or in carry on bag that goes thru X-ray?
I take my sensors out of my bag and hand them to the TSA agent and tell them that they can't go through the X-ray. They're used to it.
Did you have any problems with your insulin going bad after it being xrayed. I have read they insulin will go bad but I also read that it’ll be fine
Raging Banana tes if unopened
hi Michelle. is insulin safe to undergo xray screening?
MIchelle wonderfully important and useful video. The 1mm or 1 micron Scanners are radio waves; so is my CGM broadcast, my pump, my CGM watch and phone. The engineers say no. The TSA website says no. But some joker that worked Taco Bell at his other job is going to forcast corrupted files? I just wait till they get someone who know something about this topic. You want a different better experience entirely? Fly El Al. SO DIFFERENT, HIGH INTELLIGENCE on the passengers. No annoying and meaningless rituals, and apparently no mistakes.
Thank you! I'm glad you found it useful! I've never flown with El Al, but a lot of my friends have and I've heard amazing things :)
Hi! Newly diabetic & wondering if you find that flying and the changes in air pressure and things like that affect your blood sugars at all
Hi Grace! So I find that when I fly I tend to have higher BGs, but I think this is mostly due to the stress of being in an airport/travelling. I don't believe that the air pressure changes affect my BGs.
Hope you're doing well. I miss you posting. Why did you stop?
We have been soooo sick this year. I just posted a video today though :)
Make SURE 100% that when the TSA agent asks you about the wire hanging from your pants, you say it's my pump, that you pronounce the word PUMP correctly and the the don't get confused with BOMB ! Preferably, you want to say INSULIN PUMP !
FYI: I got stopped by police at the New Orleans airport on September 14, 2011 !! Yep ! The same week the towers went down !! I can assure you they didn't like me with all those syringes, vials and stuff !! I was questioned for about half an hour with so stupid questions like: "prove me that you are diabetic" !
Haha oh my gosh what an ordeal! Yes I guess it is very important to say the word "insulin" before "pump". Thanks for the warning!
Hi. Thanks for the video, it is very useful. I will travel to the US soon for 12 months with my visa from Budapest, Hungary. I have diabetes as well and I am covered by all the medications for 1 year I mean the pens, needles and test stripts plus certificate from my doctor regarding that it is the exact amount for me for a year. What do you think is it alowed to take it through the airport? Because I know the normal amount is only for 90 days. But I consider to not travel back only to grab my meds and then back... Do you guys think it is possible to take the whole pack with letters and certificates from my doctor? Thanks for the reply 😀
Have a bunch of extra test strips
2 months ago i had to go through security and they wanted to take my water bottle and my medication i almost lost it
This was whT i exactly searching for
my omnipod cant go thru xray
I getting a pump soon do you have any tips for useing a pump
Wow that's so exciting :)! My biggest tip would be to brush up on your carb counting because it makes the pump so much more effective if you are properly counting carbs.
I personally had a Medtronic pump for years and when I switched over to my Dexcom CGM I changed my pump also to the Tandem which I love takes a little more time to refill but it is worth it.
I haven't travelled on a plane since being diagnosed...Since I'm type 2 and not taking insulin, would it still be a good idea to get my doctor to write a letter for my glucose tester and metformin? I'm thinking maybe so. Thankfully I'm not going anywhere in the near future, but I always like to be prepared, especially when it comes to flying 😅
Bryan Sproles Yes, I think it's a good idea. You will probably never have to use the letter, but it doesn't hurt to have!
Just watching this again as we are flying tomorrow. One time in a smaller airport, they pulled me aside and asked, “what’s that on your arm.” I guess they don’t see Omnipod‘ Avery often in those smaller, regional airports. At the major airports, they’ve probably seen everything, but at smaller ones... not so much 😜
I completely agree! The small airports are the WORST. One time they went through my entire diabetes supply bag and asked what every single item was for 😳. Good luck with your flight!! I'm sure it will be just fine :). Happy Holidays to you and your family ❤️
Ok so just to clarify, you go through the full body scanner with your Dexcom? And you put the receiver through the xray? As of right now I dont, and I have to get a pat down and it always takes them forever to call the lady over to me. I'd love to not have to do this!!!
RunawayWhispers Yes, in the past I have gone through the full body scanner and put the Dexcom receiver through the X-ray, in order to avoid a hassle at security. But I am not saying this is the correct thing to do. I’m honestly not even sure myself. I prefer to get the pat down to avoid putting my medical equipment at risk.
Oh thanks for replying back. I told my husband about it and he still wont let me go through the scanner LOL. Oh well. I only fly once or twice a year so it's not that big of a deal. Thanks for the info!! :)
Yes, I can totally understand why he wouldn't want you to risk it haha! So far nothing has happened to my pump or cgm, but you never know!
I am not such stupid to make my desigion abot passing throw the scan gates. I just call to the support centre, it is normal.
no officer its and insulin pump! definitely not a gun...
I just tell the tsa people that I have type 1 diabetes