Type 1 Diabetes & TSA: What to Know Before Taking Off

Getting through airport security is hectic and stressful enough as it is. Throwing in type 1 diabetes devices and supplies can take it to a whole new level. For those traveling through Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints, here are some things to know and prepare for before lining up at airport security while living with type 1 diabetes.

Insulin pumps + continuous glucose monitors (CGMs)

It is always acceptable to travel with your insulin pumps and/or CGMs! You have the protected, legal right to wear your medical devices through TSA checkpoints, but there’s a very important thing to keep in mind—insulin pump and CGM companies cannot guarantee that the devices will continue to work if put through an x-ray machine or an airport body scanner.

While many people report no issues going through body scanners, others report insulin pump malfunctions or CGM disconnection issues. When wearing a tubed insulin pump, some people choose to detach the device and put it in their carry on to send through the x-ray machine. What to do is a personal choice you’ll need to make for yourself based on your comfort level.

Not ready to test your luck?

• Notify a Transportation Security Officer (TSO) within your security line that you are wearing a medical device.
• Instead of going through the airport body scanner, ask to walk through the regular metal detector with your device(s) or ask for a pat down by a TSA agent. If you ask for a pat down, you can typically choose to receive that pat down in the general TSA checkpoint area or in a TSA screening room.
• Anticipate receiving an Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) test. A TSO will run a swab over the palms of your hands and sometimes your medical device, then put that swab into a machine to test for traces of explosive material. You’re just wearing medical devices, so you’ll test negative!

Because of these extra checks, it may take a little bit longer for you to get through the TSA checkpoint, so give yourself extra time!

Insulin

Insulin is always allowed in your carry-on bags in vials, pen form, or otherwise. Freezer packs and other accessories to keep your insulin cool are permitted, but plan on needing to explain this, as not all TSA agents are familiar.

NEVER put your insulin in checked baggage—always carry it with you, as severe changes in pressure and temperature can tamper with insulin.

After flying, always inspect your insulin before injecting! Discard it or call your doctor if it looks damaged. Signs of damaged insulin include cloudiness (for insulin types that are usually clear) and changed color.

Needles, syringes + lancets

Needles and any other sort of insulin delivery devices are permitted on airplanes. Although not required, carrying a prescription, letter from your doctor, or pharmaceutical label for your supplies with you is recommended in case there are any questions.

Other Supplies

Don’t forget that other diabetes supplies are temperature sensitive and should also be kept in the cabin so as not to be damaged by extreme temperatures in the baggage haul. Temperature regulations should be listed in their product descriptions. Consider these supplies:

• CGM sensors
• Ketone strips
• Blood sugar test strips

Glucagon & Fast-Acting Low Snacks

TSA allows people with diabetes to bring quick sugar in liquid or gel form for the treatment of hypoglycemia, even if they are greater than 3.4 ounces. Glucose tabs, candy and other solid, sugary foods are always permitted! Glucagon kits—nasal spray and injectables—are permitted in their prescription-labeled container.

Water

People living with diabetes are permitted to carry a full water bottle through TSA checkpoints. Plan for your carry on with the water bottle getting pulled to the side for a hand-check, but once it is, you can tell the TSA agent that you have diabetes. Sometimes they will swab test your water bottle, sometimes they will just let you go. Either way, you can stay hydrated!

TSA Notification Card

Feeling overwhelmed by having to explain your medical condition and needs at airport security? You can download and print a TSA Notification Card ahead of time. This can be given to a Transportation Security Officer (TSO) to inform them of your medical condition and what supplies you’ll be carrying with you. This is not a requirement, but you might find it helpful to have this resource to lean on.

TSA Cares

Need extra support or nervous about getting through security? Contacting TSA Cares and a Passenger Support Specialist who provides on-the-spot assistance could be a good idea for you! It gives the TSA a “heads up” as to when you will be coming and what your special needs are. Call the TSA Cares USA hotline at 1-855-787-2227 approximately 72 hours prior to the flight to secure supervisor personnel for the check.