pumps/airport

[chrisd596]

Any suggestions with security at airlines scanning the insulin pumps?

 

[dclfun]

Allow extra time to get through security! When I went with my ventilator and feeding pump I had to go to a special desk ( that had a long line) and have someone personally inspect my equipment. They wouldn't let me past the scanners and said medical equipment had to be examined...this was before 9/11 so things might be even more difficult now, although they also might have more staff to do the checks. ---Kathy

 

[SueM in MN]

DD's only equipment is a wheelchair, so I don't have pump experience, but things seem much more organized than previously. Also, since all the screen ers are now employed by TSA, they (supposedly) have the same training and are working under the smea polices. What we found when we traveled in March was that any people with special needs were sent to one screening area. In Minneapolis, it was the employee screening area. The area was set up for a little more privacy than previously. DD bypassed the screening machine and was hand wanded and patted down on the other side of the security area. It seemed very efficient and did not really take us much longer for screening (but I'd still allow extra time).

 

[ReneeQ]

I have been on an insulin pump for 12 years and have flown many times. When I could walk through the metal detector (see below), it never went off due to my insulin pump. The most recent time I did this was March 2003 on a trip to Chicago, and I had no problems.

Until - I fell on the ice in Chicago on that trip and broke my femur (thigh bone)! Two weeks ago I flew from Savannah to San Deigo and back. Due to my broken leg, I was in a wheelchair at the airport. I could have walked through the metal detector with my cane, but my cane is metal, so they said no. They waved that wand over me, while I sat in the wheelchair. The new titanium rod in my leg didn't set it off, but the stainless steel screws holding the rod in place did make it alarm. They didn't seem at all concerned.

Interestingly, when she waved the wand near my stomach, the wand went off, and she asked about it. I use a Minimed Soft-Set Quick Release, and it was the little needle inside the quick release part that was making it alarm. When I showed her it was part of my pump, she said okay.

But, again, all the times I just walked through the metal detector in the past, if never went off because of my pump. I do, just in case, have a written prescription with me from my dr. that says something like "this patient is a diabetic and must wear her insulin pump at all times, and travel with insulin syringes." I have never had to show it. (Now I also have a prescription explaining I have a rod in my leg, but that's a whole other story!)

Good luck on your trip!

 

[LauraAngel]

I worried about this incessantly after I got my pump 2 years ago, since I travel relatively frequently. It's turned out to be rarely, if ever, an issue. I've found that on most of the trips I've been on, my pump doesn't even set it off, therefore, there's never even a question or delay. I just don't think there's enough metal in it to cause a problem (I have a Disetronic D-tron plus). However, I haven't been anywhere since April now, and I think they were going to increase the sensitivity of the monitoring equipment sometime soon (or so I read somewhere?). The two times I have set it off were in Hawaii and in Orlando, both coming back to Chicago. (Interestingly, I flew into and out of Orlando a couple months later without setting it off...not sure what the difference was). Both times they did what they do with anyone who sets it off: pulled me aside and wanded me. I pulled my pump out to show them. That typically appeased them. I carry a card with me that's been signed by my doctor (Disetronic provided it) and has his phone number and DEA number on it and explains that it's neccessary for me to wear my insulin pump and carry the neccessary supplies. I've never been asked to show it. My grandmother has had several joints replaced and was given a card. When I flew with her and she tried to show it to them, they basically told her that anyone could have one of those and all they were interested in was wanding her, cuz that would prove what she said, while a card would not. I'd have a card or note with you, but odds are, you won't ever be asked to show it. Anyway, bottom line (after all my blathering) is that you aren't likely to even have it set off the alarm. If it does, it's a minimal amount of extra time involved. Just perhaps 5 minutes extra while they wand you. Shouldn't be an issue. And above all, as my doctor said, if they give you problems or don't understand about insulin pumps, insist on seeing a supervisor. You shouldn't have to deal with someone rude an ignorant. If you have any other questions though, please let me know. I've traveled quite a bit with my pump, including two trips to WDW since I got it two years ago.

-Laura