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Home > Knowledge & support > Living with type 1 diabetes > Everyday life > Travelling > Airport security and diabetes technology
From June 2024, UK airports are changing the devices they use to scan people going through security and their carry-on luggage. Manufacturers of insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGM) advise that most technology should not pass through these new scanners, either through the full body scanners or on the carry-on luggage belt. These new scanners will be in place across the UK by June 2025.
You will need to take the equipment and supplies you need for your journey in your carry-on luggage. You’ll also need to carry anything that can’t be put in your hold luggage, like insulin, which can freeze in the hold, and pumps, which can be damaged by luggage scanners. This means you’ll have to carry it through airport security.
Manufacturers of CGMs and insulin have their own guidance on which devices can go through metal detectors, x-rays and full body scanners at airports. For example, the Dexcom G7 and Dexcom ONE+ are safe to go through full body scanners, but the G6 and Dexcom ONE are not. Check the manufacturers websites or contact them for more information before you travel.
You can ask a security agent for an alternative method of screening, such as a pat-down. You should not be asked to remove your medical device. If the only way through security is through one of the new scanners, you can request that they switch it off so that it doesn’t affect your technology.
Most insulin pumps and CGMs should not be screened by the x-ray or security scanners on the luggage belt, so carry these with you to be manually checked. You may want to keep all your type 1 supplies in a separate bag in your carry-on luggage, so that you can take it out and carry it with you, with the rest of your luggage going on the belt. This may help make the process quicker and easier. You might want to consider using a clear plastic bag to make things easier.
Many UK airports are now following guidance from the Civil Aviation Authority to help people with type 1 get through airport security as quickly and easily as possible. The information below can help you make the process as smooth as possible.
Contact the airport before you set off on your journey to see what scanners they have in place and if there are alternative ways for you to pass through security.
Some airlines allow passengers with health conditions to carry extra luggage for medical supplies. Contact your airline to see if they offer this and what documents they need to show that you have type 1.
Even though it may not feel like a disability, type 1 diabetes is legally classed as a hidden disability. Many UK airports now provide hidden disability Sunflower lanyards for anyone with a hidden disability so that security staff are aware they may need extra help, understanding or knowledge.
You should be able to get a sunflower lanyard at the airport’s Special Assistance desk. You can contact Special Assistance before you travel to make sure you can get one.
Get a letter from your GP or Diabetes Healthcare Team before you travel so you can prove you have type 1 diabetes and provide details about the treatments and technology you are carrying.
A Medical Device Awareness Card was launched in the UK in 2019, sponsored by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Airport Operators Association (AOA).
The card provides information about insulin pumps and CGMs for airport Security Officers and passengers.
Simply print it off from the CAA website and take it to the airport with you.
Learn more about the MDA Card in this short video:
Allow at least one hour to go through security in case your luggage or type 1 tech needs to be checked.
Make sure you are using a medically approved cool bag to take your insulin through security, otherwise security staff may not accept them.
You can take insulin pens through all the airport security scanners and detectors. Make sure you have your documents to hand in case you are asked about your insulin pen. Vials and cartridges of insulin can go through the x-ray with the rest of your hand luggage.
We’d love to hear about your experiences going through airport security. What has helped? What hasn’t gone so well? Tell us your experience, tips and advice so that we can share with other type 1 travellers!
After a difficult experience going through an airport with her son with type 1 diabetes, Rachel Crawford talks about her work to improve the process for people with type 1.
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