✈️ Traveling Through Airport Security with T1D 💉
If you live with Type 1 Diabetes, navigating airport security can feel like a mini-mission — especially with medical devices like insulin pumps, CGMs, and backup supplies in tow. Here’s what we’ve learned from traveling with T1D and getting through TSA with minimal stress:
1. Know Your Rights (and Your Tech):
Medical devices like insulin pumps, CGMs, and transmitters should not all go through X-ray machines or full-body scanners. These can damage the devices or void warranties.
We always send the supplies through the x-ray machine and if it is not a body scanner, my son goes through the x-ray machine. We have done this for the last 3 years with no problems (using dexcom and omnipod). Many devices have different warnings, so please go to their website for more information.
Dexcom G6
Dexcom G7
Freestyle Libre
Medtronic
Omnipod
Tandem
2. Communicate Clearly:
Let the TSA agent know right away:
🗣️ “I’m traveling with Type 1 Diabetes and I have medical devices that can’t go through the scanner.”
They may ask a few questions, but most agents are trained to accommodate.
*Remember you can also look into TSA Cares for extra assistance through security. Not all airports offer this service, but check out the website here for more information.*
3. Pack Smart:
- Keep insulin and devices in a separate, clearly labeled bag.
- Bring a doctor’s note and carry your prescriptions just in case.
- TSA allows medically necessary liquids and gels in larger quantities, including juice or glucose gel, but declare them upfront.
- We do not bring items over this quantity as when we have traveled abroad and had communication issues, it was hard to explain why we needed the items, even with the doctor note.
4. Be Prepared for Patience:
Extra screening takes a bit more time. Add a buffer to your airport arrival time so you don’t feel rushed or stressed.
If traveling with a T1D kiddo, talk with them about the process of possibly having a pat down and what that involves. The first time my son went through it, he was definitely very anxious as he did not know what they were going to do. FYI- just a pat down by same gender agent, wipe of the arms, legs, and shoes, and then they did a shoe check on a special machine as well. The agent had to fill out some paperwork and get our boarding pass and passport and we were done.
5. Stay Calm & Confident:
You’re advocating for your health and safety. You know your body and your tech better than anyone.
📦 Bonus Tip: If you use a tubed pump, you can disconnect briefly if you’re okay with sending it through X-ray (check with your device manufacturer first). Most tubeless systems (like Omnipod) should stay on your body and you can skip the scanner if you prefer.
Traveling with T1D is 100% doable — it just takes a little planning and a lot of grace 💪
Don’t forget to check out our other travel pages especially: packing list for T1D, beach and pool essentials, and travel necessities.
