If it helps re-assure you any, Dexcom transmitters in their factory boxes are shipped through Fedex and UPS and USPS through all kinds of scanners and X-ray machines that are way more intense than anything you’d find in a TSA line.
That said, officially Dexcom recommends not sending CGM supplies through X-ray machines: https://www.dexcom.com/en-CA/faqs/how-should-i-go-through-airport-security-dexcom-g6
I just don’t want anyone handling my pump. I also don’t want to disconnect it.
I go through the body scanner. I hold my pump in my hand.
They swab my hand instead of my pump and then I go through.
Just because they wear gloves does not make them sterile.
They wear the same gloves and touch everything. So they might as well not wear any.
And it’s not just an average person who might touch my pump. It’s someone who is handling hundreds of people maybe thousands per shift and their belongings.
I might be a little over careful, but they have a process where I can keep everything connected and to myself so I choose that.
I can only remember one time being asked to take it off and put it hrough the scanner, and I told them no, it’s connected and needs to stay sterile and they just accepted that.
Of course it’s also true. At least for me it is.
If you wanted to go through the magnet sensors instead, I would think nothing would alarm since there is very little metal in pumps and sensors. However that one time, my pump failed and I just don’t want to risk that
So, sitting at the airport after going through security. I have pre-check, so I got to the checkpoint with no wait. Kept the pump on me, told them about the pump and artificial knees, walked through the body scanner, lit up in 3 places (none of thrm my knees) and it took nearly 15 minutes to get a female to pat me down, and then she had to find the person who could swab my hands and pump. At least I don’t have to take off my shoes anymore.
Good thing I always give myself plent of time to get through traffic and security.
So, I’m just a wee bit peeved at what happened on the first leg of my flight. American Airlines, fully booked flight, I was in group 7 for boarding, and they ran out of carry-on space and forced me to check my carry-on. Luckily, the insulin was in my handbag, but all the pump supplies were in my carry-on. Also lucky that it was a nonstop flight. But what if I’d had to change planes? One of our party came in a day later, he had to change planes and they missed the connecting flight, and he didn’t get his luggage until the day he was flying back! What if that happened to my pump supplies? I had told them at the gate that my supplies had to go with me, and the response was basically “too bad, there’s no room.” Grr. Any ideas on how to deal with this if it happens again (other than paying extra for a “preferred” seat)?
On the way back, I went to the flight agent early and explained what had happened, and could we make sure my bag got into the cabin and I got basically the same response, “nothing we can do. Too bad, boo hoo.” So disappointed in American Airlines.
It is disappointing, but I think you need to have a backpack with all essential supplies that fits under the seat.
I don’t even fly much, but in my limited experience it’s quite common for them to force you to check the carry on you planned to put in the overhead compartment.
Barring that, I suppose you could try to talk your way into priority boarding so you get to use the overhead compartment before others.
Actually, I just looked online for an appropriate backpack, and will definitely buy one before I fly again. The tote that goes with my carry-on is way too small. I also use small backpacks (Vera Bradley) as purses, and my tote can only fit the purse and maybe one or two other things. A larger backpack will be perfect!
Your diabetes stuff never has to be put in the plane’s cargo. They are required to allow you to bring it with you.
Here is some relevant text:
What is an Assistive Device?
An assistive device is any piece of equipment that assists a passenger with a disability in coping with the effects of his or her disability…
…
- Prescription medications and any medical devices needed to administer those medications, such as syringes or auto-injectors
So your stuff is in that group.
Next,
Can I bring my assistive device in the passenger cabin of the aircraft?
Yes. You may bring your assistive device with you on an airplane and stow it in the passenger compartment in the following locations:
- In an overhead compartment;
- Under the seat in front of you; or
- In a designated stowage area if the device fits and is in accordance with FAA or foreign safety regulations.
And finally, when they tell you there is no room to bring it on the plane, you let them know you will gladly move all of your prescription supplies and medications from your luggage into a bag they can provide you that will allow you to carry it on the plane.
“Please give me a bag I can put it in.”
Or they can ask someone else to check their stuff so there is room for yours.
The point is, you may need to put it into a different bag, but there is no way it has to get checked.
So you ask them for a bag and wait on them. And they will take the path of least resistance and allow it on the plane.
Also, if you have all your diabetes stuff in a bag by itself, without any other stuff, it does NOT count toward the carry-on limit:
If I bring an assistive device onboard the aircraft, does it count towards my baggage limit?
No. Assistive devices do not count toward your baggage limit. However, if your bag also contains personal items, the airline can count your bag toward a baggage limit and it may be subject to a baggage fee.
This is a transportation.gov link, with all the information. Print this and have it with you for next time.
Good information, Eric, but I rather think that AA would not have waited for me to unpack/repack my supplies. I’m always nice to people, and don’t act entitled, but they were all very rude. I’ve flown a lot these past few years and have never had this happen on Jet Blue.
But, to avoid this in the future, I’m just going to do what Tnyc suggested and get a large backpack that will go under the seat but still have enough room for supplies and a change of clothes.
When I was doing a lot of flying for work, most of the time the full body scanner would not detect my Dexcom. However what would get me a pat down every time where my Lymphedema support stockings. All they saw was dense material. Frightened one female screener when I drop my pants to show her the stockings. I’m 71. And modesty doesn’t exist anymore .