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Wearing insulin pump through Rome airport security and screening diabetic items in carryon baggage

Posted by (Easley, SC, USA) on

I'm just curious. I'm diabetic. I wear an insulin pump and I always carry my blood glucose meter, test strips, spare lancets, the lancing device, and a couple spare needles in case my pump breaks down. I put all the items except the pump--which is plugged into me--in a small camera-style bag I always have with me. I'll have a vial of insulin and I'll have a written prescription from my Doctor for all my meds. I'll also have spare reservoirs and infusion sets and my inserter with me in my carryon bag. The pump and meter are both battery-powered devices. The lancets, the lancing device, and the infusion set inserter all have really really tiny needles in them (less than 1/8") but hey: I suppose some paranoid security guard might consider them a potential weapon!

None of this ever gives me any grief at all with TSA in the US. I'm on a prescreen list, but that never helps, because as soon as I tell them I'm wearing the pump, they practically strip search me! I always get patted down! I'm used to that, even though I don't like it.

This is not a medical question. I know what to medically about everything. I'm just curious what I should be aware of ahead of time, with regard to wearing the pump and carrying the other items, when I get to airport security at Rome airport when we leave for home. We will be flying on a Delta airlines ticket on a flight operated by Alitalia. I've read messages here about Alitalia's rules for carryons and security, but I don't recall if anyone has said anything specific to diabetic items.

Any input at all will help me know what to expect. E.g., can I carry the spare needles with me or should I put them in my checked baggage (which I can do for the duration of the flight). Will I be expected to take the pump off? I never am in the US, but this'll be Italy. I've read stuff about having to display "electronics" in a clear plastic bag for screening, NOT simply having them somewhere inside my daypack with all the other stuff I intend to carry on. Would this extend to either or both my battery-powered pump and meter? Anything special here, that I need to be aware of?

Thx, in advance.

Tom

Posted by
1013 posts

From the Joslin Diabetes Centre of the Harvard Medical School.

From reading the web on the question of pumps it seems to be a crap shoot in both the USA and Europe as to whether you will have problems going through Secruity. Its the old story I guess, hope for the best and prepare for the worst!

I would suggest that you get any Doctor's letter translated into Italian either before you leave or while you are in Italy.

I will be traveling to Europe this summer with my friends. What do I need to do?

The Transportation Security Association (TSA) specifically states that passengers are permitted to board airplanes with insulin, syringes, insulin pumps, liquids “including water, juice, or liquid nutrition,” and “all diabetes related medication, equipment and supplies.” Tips for traveling are as follows:

Arrive at the airport early to allow enough time to get through security
Bring a travel letter from your diabetes health care team
Bring prescriptions for your supplies (not required but it is advisable to have backups in case you need additional supplies while away)
Pack all your diabetes supplies in clear plastic bags so they can be inspected easily and always place in your carry-on luggage
All supplies should be clearly labeled
Bring extra supplies to make sure you do not run out
Carry some quick-acting glucose or small juice boxes to treat lows and carry some snacks
Wear medical identification and carry contact information for your diabetes team
Review the TSA website http://www.tsa.gov/
You can continue to wear your insulin pump or continuous glucose monitor (CGM) while going through common security systems such as an airport metal detector as it will not harm the device or trigger an alarm. DO NOT send the devices through the x-ray machine.
You will need to remove your insulin pump and CGM (sensor and transmitter) while going through the newer airport body scanners. If you do not wish to remove your devices, you may request an alternative pat-down screening process.
With any of the security systems, notify the security officer if you are wearing a pump (or CGM device) and you intend to walk through the security sensor with it. Do not be surprised if you receive a “pat down,” this is for your safety!
If you are traveling and want to be able to call your diabetes team, make sure you know how to make an international call. You will need to enable your cell phone to make international calls or you can get an international calling card. To place a call to another country, dial the destination country’s code before the phone number

Posted by
1 posts

Hi Tom,

Unfortunately I can't answer your question. We will be traveling through the Rome airport next year with my daughter's pump. I'dappreciate you posting your experience when you return.

Thanks,
Michael

Posted by
1817 posts

I wouldn't worry in the least. If you pass with TSA, you will have no problem with Italian security. Despite its world famous bureaucracy, you are much less likely to encounter an officious jerk in Italy. Italians pride themselves on keeping it personal.

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