I have flown with just about any insulin pump on the market so I'm not asking for the TSA rules but rather is it safe to go through the scanners with the Pod on and is the PDM ok to run through the belt scanner? I've never had any issues with it but just want to make sure. Also the extra pods are they ok to run through scanners?
Thank you
Sandy
We look forward to any replies, as we have the same questions about an upcoming January flight as well. Thanks for posing the question, Sandy.
We have done our PDM and all extra pods through the scanner and my son's pod through the metal detector with no issue. The pod does not set off the detector. He has not yet been through the body scanner. I am sure there would be not harm to the pod the only question would be will he get pulled aside for extra screening because they will see the pod on the scan.
Thank you very much for the info. That is all I was concerned about. I don't have any issues with extra screening as they always do this with the traditional pumps as well. Just wasn't sure about the pods and the PDM with the rays. Now I can fly without worry on Monday. THANK YOU
I read on another forum about a pod being deactivated by a wand scan. Has anyone heard about or experienced that? So, when we go through the traditional metal detector archway, the pod won't make it beep? Do you think the best approach is to say nothing, unless asked? Thanks!
I'm flying in about 2 weeks with my toddler and plan to request a visual inspection of my PDM & pods instead of putting them through the belt scanner. I'm heading to Canada which hasn't released the Omnipod yet so I can't risk a failure with my PDM or pods. I received an email earlier this month from Omnipod with the following info:
Screening Procedures
The TSA offers the option of requesting a visual inspection of your medical supplies rather than putting them through the X-ray. This must be requested before the screening process begins. Your medical supplies should be ready in a separate bag when you approach the Security Officer.
In order to prevent contamination or damage to your supplies, the TSA states that you should be asked at the security checkpoint to display, handle, and repack your own supplies during the visual inspection process. Any medication and/or associated supplies that cannot be cleared visually must be submitted for X-ray screening.
If you're concerned or uncomfortable about going through the walk-through metal detector, the TSA states that you should notify the Security Officer that you're wearing a pump and would like a full-body pat-down and a visual inspection of your pump instead. You should also advise the Security Officer that the insulin pump cannot be removed because it is inserted with a catheter (needle) under the skin.
Visit the TSA's Contact Center if you have any further questions or concerns.
The OmniPod Team
Hi - we've travelled all over with our toddler and quite frankly, I find that if I say nothing, we get through faster. We've always put the diabetes backup supplies including the PDM through the xray and it's never been a problem. My son simply walks through the screening with no questions asked. I'm always amazed that when I carry 200 extra syringes and don't tell the TSA, they never say a word. In the beginning, when will was 18 months and we travelled, I brought letters from our doctors, all the backup supplies, I would notify the TSA before I put anything on the belt, etc. and overall, made too big a deal of it all. Once I wised up, I simply would bring all my stuff, put it on the belt and let it run through. In the some 2 dozen trips, I think one security guard asked me once if they were diabetes supplies and I replied "yes" and that was that.
My only bit of advice is to bring lots of food for your toddler. My son never liked plane food and it's impossible to find milk on some flights now. You can carry milk (get the kind that sits on the shelf) and then you do have to tell TSA that you use it to treat lows. When we were first diagnosed, milk was the only thing I could do to bring up lows. Now that Will is 4.5 years old, we use glucose tabs. The TSA may give you crap about this, but if you have those sealed milks, they are actually pretty good about it. If they make you throw it out, just purchase a small carton of milk before you get on the plane and ask the flight attendant to put it in the fridge for you. Explain why and they are really cool about it.
Good luck!
I flew to Vancouver this summer and had no problems putting my pdm and box of extra pods through the scanner. I did get flagged for a bag check because of the box of pods, but that was only a 2 minute delay. The agent said "there appears to be a box of the same things". I told him it was probably the pods for my insulin pump. He just peeked at them, apologized for the delay/inconvenience, and had me on my way.
I fly quite a bit for business and have been on a number of pumps for the past 12 years. I have found that pre-identifying the pods / pumps only invites a long inspection.
I have not had any problems with scanners or the xray machine. Just put them in the carryon bag and answer questions if asked. The only airport that I have had issues with is SFO ( San Francisco) whether I tell them or not, they find the pump and want to inspect. I have no problem with that as they are doing their job (kind of )
Hope this helps.
Depending on what airport they will not allow anything to go through security not even for diabetics. Reasoning is you can carry glucose tablets. Orlando FL is one of those airports. I have to throw everything away including juice.
Nicole I have the same thing. I never carry Rx's or Dr.s letter. I just simply show them my pump / this time Pod and walk through scanners and get checked for gun powder after lol We fly from nashville and we have full body scanners so to not inform them would maybe be seen as a bad thing. I have never had issues. I think they see plenty of diabetics fly that they are used to it. One TSA person was completely cool and said oh yea an insulin pump. Not worried about all of that. Just wasn't sure what the POD would do with the rays.
John, Nashville is the same. No problems but the pump and in this case thinking the Pod will be scanned for the powder residue and a normal inspection will be done which I have never had problems with. I always inform them.
We say nothing and go through the metal detector. He has never had it beep.
Really, do you know if this is new? We flew out of Orlando a couple of years ago. Had juice in my carryon, let the screener know I had medical supplies and we were not even questioned. I don't really see how they can make that determination, as some children will not eat glucose tabs (like mine, at that time). You need something that you know they will eat/drink in an emergency. In my situation, I would have spoken with a supervisor. Even the TSA site states that they allow food that treats medical conditions.
Thank you!
Good to know that. I will tell them that this time. I HATE going on that trolly knowing that I have nothing in my backpack till I can get in there and buy some coke or juice. That has always bothered me but they have NEVER let me take anything. :o( lol that is where we are moving ha ha.
Thank you all for your wonderful replies and experiences.
When I was first diagnosed 2 years ago, I was so nervous about security I asked lots of questions as I went through. As I was gathering my things, one of the TSA agents came over to me and walked through some of the TSA procedures and actually told me that I could bring juice through security.
Last time I flew out of Atlanta, I had a whole carry on full of snacks (peanut butter, juice boxes, snack bars, etc.). The agent asked me if I had food in my bag. I said yes, told them I was diabetic and go low a lot in the airport and on planes. (I'm notorious for having bg in the 200s preflight and then bottoming out within 20 minutes of take off.) The agent said her husband was T1 and said "you have to be prepared". (I think if Atlanta lets you through any airport should let you go through!)