Airport Travel w/ Pump
Hi, I was recently put through additional airport screening when the security agent manning the walk through scan at security SAW my pump clipped onto my waistband. This happened at PHX international--the TSA were very polite, but told me that when walking through the scanner, if the agent can SEE your insulin pump, they are required to do an additional screening (pat down, etc). Some (less efficient) airports may be less strict abt this regulation, but unless you have time to spare for a pat down!, it might be a good idea to keep your pump out of sight when going through the scanner.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by faye on -
I've walked through security many times with my OmniPod visible on my arm (I usually wear short sleeves when traveling just in case). It's never set off the alarm, nor have I been questioned about it. Maybe they think it's a nicotine patch? ::shrugs::
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Permalink Reply by Betty J on
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I travelled recently and had no problems, all I did was mention I had a pump and they waved me through.
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Permalink Reply by Steven Ercolani on -
I recently went through airport security for the first time in Toronto with my pump. I was so nervous about going through the screening process with all the infusion sets and sharps and two pump (one backup), that I forgot to take the clip off the pump. The clip on the Animas is metal and will set off the metal detector. They checked me with the wand for what seems like 5 minutes. Then they did the explosive residue test and let me go.
To my surprise, the pump and suppliers where the least of my worries. My wife and I had two inflatable PFDs (life jackets) and we got stuck having to explain that we were allowed to bring these items on board for 40 minutes. We ended up just making it in time to catch our flight.
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Permalink Reply by awillie on -
I too had such an experience... I had an oPod on near my rear on my leg. (strange place, but I recommend it!) It was the first time I'd been thru with an oPod (MM the other times with minimal issues). I set off the alarm, couldn't think what it might be besides my Opod (btw the Pods are not much other than plastic on the inside too), so I told the screener I was wearing an insulin pump. (then I realized I had a belt on!) anywho, she requested a pat down, the officers who did the pat down said that it was not necessary at all and to not mention the pump next time. (this was at STL, SW terminal, so there was minimal chaos).
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Permalink Reply by Allison Blass on
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I always toss my pump into my purse or bag. always always always. I hate stopping for anyone. It's so annoying.
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Permalink Reply by Tom S on -
Animas specifically staes to not send the pump through the x-ray on the belt and to not wear it into the scanners. My Animas 2020 always sets off the alarms at all airports I have visitied - whether or not I am using it ith the metal clip. So I just plan for a few extra minutes for a pat down. TSA has never checked it for explosives...
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Permalink Reply by Donna Heun on -
When I went on a short term missions trip to Honduras, I never had any trouble with my insulin pump. In La Ceiba airport on the trip back they were extremely concerned about my insulin and syringes and confiscated them while I flew and then returned them to me when I stepped off the plane. they were very polite and explained to me where my insulin and syringes would be and if I needed them during the flight (only 20 minutes) I could ask for them. They must have thought I was going to run around injecting everyone with insulin. Otherwise, I have never had any problems with my pump or supplies.
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Permalink Reply by Richard P Cosgrove on -
This is more of a question not related to airline travel. I just got a summons to appear for US jury duty and the rules say no phones, beepers, pagers, etc. I am sure I will have to declare I have an insulin pump and will have to go through a metal detector. Do I have to take it off before I go through the detector? I have a MM722. I did take it off for dental xrays last week. Maybe someone in the group can answer this. Sorry if this question is redundant.
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Permalink Reply by DC Reporter on -
i go through the magnetometer at the white house every day wearing my pump. it has never trigger and alarm or harmed my pump.
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Permalink Reply by Sue MacLennan on -
The manual for my pump says that it should not go through electro magnetic fields. I work in several courthouses and NEVER go through the metal detector. I have ID that gets me through but if I didn't, I'd request the patdown...
We visited the Holocaust Memorial museum last spring and I told the security at the door that I had a pump, I'd placed my infusion set where I could get to it easily and brought a zip lock baggie to put it in, if need be. The lovely man at security told me, in no uncertain terms, that I would NOT be required to remove my pump and could go around the metal detector. :)
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Permalink Reply by FatCatAnna on -
I actually took my clip off my pump this time when travelling thru' MIA (Miami International) as some people said that this was the reason for getting "nabbed" (not that it bothers me - but my hubby Mike got to see for the 1st time what I go thru' with air travel - and he looked worried - while I just grin away and let them "feel me up"! The great thing about MIA, is they have this nifty machine that looks like something from the future. They stick you in this machine, putting your feet twice in different "foot positions" and then things rotate around you to snap pics of you (my hubby can go into my indepth description - I was just finding it very interesting being placed into this "thing"). Apparently his brother works for the company that makes these devices, and all I can say is, after that was done, pump as swiped, it's the fastest turn around for I've ever had with TSA. Of course, I had to talk their ear off about how neat it was, yadda, yadda, yadda, but they were very appreciative of it I think. Not sure why so many people hate the screening bit, but for myself, as a PWD (person with diabetes) - it's just the way travel is these days. Main thing is, hopefully they catch the bad guys that are trying to bugger up things for us good folks that fly!
Safe flying for all of those going away for the holidays!!!
Anna from Montreal - http://www.diabetes1.org/blogs/Annas_Blog
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