Pumps and security

For travel within Canada:
Always check Canadian Air Transport Security Authority guidelines for any changes prior to departures

• Notify the security officer at the Pre-Boarding Screening (PBS) checkpoint that you have diabetes, that you are wearing a pump and are carrying supplies with you.
• You do not need to remove your insulin pump; our testing indicates metal detectors will not harm it, and pumps do not typically trigger metal detectors. You can request a visual inspection of your pump rather than removing it from your body.
• A physical search may be conducted at the PBS (Pre-Boarding Screening) checkpoint. If a pat down is required and you need to remove or lift clothing to display your pump, you can request a private search room for your personal search at any time during the screening process.
• Ensure your medication is properly labelled (professionally printed label identifying the medication or a manufacturer's name or pharmaceutical label). Keep it in your carry-on baggage in case you require it.
• Syringes, hypodermic needles and biojectors are allowed for personal medical use in accordance with prescribed rules and regulations. They must have the needle guard in place, and the person must possess the medication that is to be administered. Medication must be in a container that bears the name of the medication and either the pharmacy that dispensed it or the manufacturer.
• Never store insulin in checked luggage because it may be exposed to extreme (often freezing) temperatures, which can change its effectiveness.
• It is recommended that you bring medical information verifying your condition.

• Notify the security officer at the Pre-Boarding Screening (PBS) checkpoint that you have diabetes, that you are wearing a pump and are carrying supplies with you.
• You do not need to remove your pump; our testing indicates metal detectors will not harm it, and they usually do not trigger metal detectors. You can request a visual inspection of your pump rather than removing it from your body
• A physical search may be conducted at the PBS checkpoint. If a pat down is required and you need to remove or lift clothing to display your pump, you can request a private search room for your personal search at any time during the screening process.

Syringes, supplies and security

• Doctors' letters are no longer sufficient proof of medical necessity when you are carrying syringes. In order to board with syringes and other insulin delivery devices, you must produce an insulin vial with a professional, pharmaceutical, pre-printed label that clearly identifies the medication. No exceptions will be made. If the prescription is located on the outside of the box that the insulin comes in, you should carry that as well.
• Never store insulin in checked luggage because it may be exposed to extreme (often freezing) temperatures, which can change its effectiveness.
• Carry your glucagon in its original, pharmaceutically labelled container or box.
• Boarding with lancets is allowed as long as the lancets are capped and they are carried along with a glucose meter with the manufacturer's name embossed on the meter.
• If you should have problems or difficulty when trying to pass through airport security in the United States, ask to speak with the TSA ground security commissioner or the international equivalent.

General precautions

• Always carry all medications (especially insulin and glucose tablets), snacks, and supplies in your carry-on luggage. This can be critical if your luggage is lost, your flight is delayed or if you are otherwise separated from your checked luggage for an extended period of time.
• Test your blood glucose more often. While traveling, blood glucose levels can change due to stress, illness, diet, or changes in activity.
• Wear or carry a medical identification that indicates you have diabetes.
• Take time to get up and walk the aisles during long flights. This will help stimulate good circulation. Be sure you drink water to avoid dehydration.

What to Pack: Diabetes and Pump Supplies

Always pack at least double the amount of supplies you think you'll need. Make sure you include:

• Extra insulin and an extra prescription in case your luggage gets lost or if your insulin becomes denatured
• Pump supplies and batteries. Not all Medtronic Diabetes supplies are available in other countries
• Pump manual and logbook with basal rates
• Syringes for injections and dosing instructions from your doctor
• Blood-glucose meter, test strips and lancets
• Ketone strips
• Glucagon emergency kit (your travel companion(s) should carry the kit, and know when and how to use it)
• Carbohydrates for low blood glucose treatment and at least one day's supply of food (e.g. nutrition bars, which are easy to carry)

Medtronic Diabetes Support Outside Canada and the U.S.

Before you travel abroad, make certain you have the direct number to Medtronic Diabetes, 818-576-5555, because the toll-free number, 1-866-444-4649, will not work in other countries.

Traveling with diabetes resources
Visit diabetes.org, tsa.gov, and catsa.ca  for further travel security updates.