Medical

🩸 Glucose monitor / insulin pump

💼 Cabin bag

Yes

Permitted as a medical device. Inform the security officer before screening. You may request a pat-down if concerned about scanner interference with your device.

✈️ Hold (checked)

Yes

Permitted. Carry-on is strongly recommended so the device remains accessible and is not subjected to the rough handling of checked baggage.

💡 Tip: Inform the security officer that you are wearing or carrying a medical device before screening begins. You can request a pat-down instead of going through the body scanner if you are concerned about scanner interference with your device — this is your right in most regions.

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Glucose monitor / insulin pump

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Airline-specific rules

🇺🇸American AirlinesContinuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are permitted in cabin; notify security as the sensor should not go through X-ray.

🇬🇧British AirwaysPermitted in cabin; CGM wearers should inform security that the device cannot be removed and request a pat-down instead.

🇮🇪RyanairPermitted as a medical device; carry a doctor's letter to facilitate security screening.

Common questions

Medical devices like glucose monitors and insulin pumps are permitted in both carry-on and checked baggage, so nothing adverse happens. However, insulin pumps that are worn on the body require a different screening approach — you should inform the TSA officer before screening begins so they can conduct a pat-down or alternative method rather than sending the device through the X-ray machine, which some manufacturers advise against.

Standard carry-on X-ray screening is generally considered safe for glucose monitors, but worn continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and insulin pumps may be affected by airport body scanners. Manufacturers of CGM devices like Dexcom and Abbott recommend against putting the sensor through an AIT body scanner. Tell the officer you are wearing a medical device and ask for alternative screening — this is a standard accommodation.

You do not need to notify the airline in advance for a glucose monitor — it is a routine medical device. At the security checkpoint, notify the TSA officer before screening begins, particularly if you are wearing a CGM or insulin pump. Carrying a brief letter from your doctor and the device's original documentation can help if an officer is unfamiliar with the equipment, though it is not required.

Keep all supplies — lancets, test strips, insulin, syringes, and the monitor itself — in your carry-on rather than your checked bag so they remain accessible and are not exposed to the temperature extremes of the hold. Insulin must be kept within its recommended temperature range. If your supply includes sharps such as lancets or needles, keeping them in their original labelled packaging helps screeners identify them quickly.