I'm well aware that the PDM, Pods, and my other supplies are able to go through airport x-ray machines, and that the pumps themselves are able to be subject to walk-through x-ray machines (http://www.myomnipod.com/pdf/14986-AWAirTravelTipsFlyerR2-11-11.pdf), however I can't find any info on OmniPod with the new Backscatter/Full Body Scanning machines?
Has anyone got an official word, or had any adverse experiences in going through these?
Thanks!
Graeme
THe backscatter machines are a type of x-ray machine, that doesn't go through the body but just reflects off the top layers. These have been removed from service in the US.
The other type of full body imager is a millimeter wave imager.... it uses very short radio waves, like radar, and produces an image of the body.
I have never had a problem with either.
The pod WILL show up on the scanner and the
security personnel will either take you aside for a pat down, or ask you to touch the pod with both hands and then swab your hands for explosive residue.
If I have a choice of lines, I choose the one with the metal detector only, as the pod does not set off the metal detector and there is less delay. Sometimes you don't have a choice.
Ah yes. The Millimeter Wave Imagers are the ones I meant to address! Thanks for letting me know! LAX will be our departure airport. I'm sure whichever line I choose/get chosen to be in, it will be a wonderful TSA experience!
When I travel through the airport, I try to wear my pod in a place where I can reach it without undressing too much so I can comply with the TSA.... if I am wearing a long sleeve shirt , I put the pod on my abdomen, so I can lift my shirt up to touch it. If it is warm and I am wearing short sleeves, then the arm works fine.
What you don't want is having it on the arm with long sleeves... then you'll have to go somewhere private with the officer and disrobe...
I've been through a full body scanner with my pod. No bad effects at all. Hope that helps.
I just went to Puerto Rico and back, and was quite relieved at how easy it was. I made sure to tell the security officer BEFORE I went through the scanner that I was wearing an insulin pump, and they thanked me for letting them know. All I had to do was touch the pod, and they swabbed my fingers. Very easy and fast!
Same here. I always tell them as I walk into the scanner so that they don't get weird when a big blob shows up on the image. They also know that when they see the blob they should get the explosive detection wipes out. More communication is usually better in these instances.
Thanks All! I appreciate the feedback. The main thing was just to have the confidence that the new scanners won't mess with the pod, which has been clearly answered :)
Cheers!