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Will I have any problems packing a Tens unit?

I am not sure if this is the right place for this topic, but can I pack a Tens unit with no worries? I ask because of the wires it has, I don't want to arouse any suspicions with any baggage inspectors. I guess I could always stuff it in a sock or something. Anybody else ever bring one in their carry on?

Posted by
23178 posts

Headphones, ipads, charging units, hear aids, all have wires and electronics. Will they raise suspicions especially if laying at a funny angle in the bag. Worse thing to happen - the bag gets hand checked and you are delayed five minutes. Not sure how stuffing it in a sock would prevent anything since the x-ray will see right through the sock.

Posted by
30 posts

I travel and fly with a Tens unit regularly and I put it in my carry on. I have had no problem so you should be fine. Jennifer

Posted by
4760 posts

Don't put it on your checked luggage. Think of the consequences if your suitcase was delayed or lost by the airlines.

Just put it in your carry on. Don't try to hide it in a sock (or anything else) . That will only make the TSA suspicious, and could lead to prolonged searching and questioning. If asked, just tell them what it is and how it's used. You'll be fine.

Posted by
3428 posts

If it concerns you, just be sure to 'declare' it when you get to the TSA checkpoint. Have where you can easily remove it and let them scan it separately . I sometimes have to take my nebulizer and a rather large amount of liquid medications to use in it. I just pull it out at the checkpoint. It might also help to have a letter from your physician about why it is medically necessary for you, just incase they get picky (especially now that you can buy them without a prescription).

Posted by
11294 posts

Here's the text from the link Bruce posted (you have to select "Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation" and click again):

TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) units are permitted in both carry-on and checked bags. If your doctor has told you that your specific TENS unit shouldn't go through an X-ray, you should notify the Transportation Security Officer (TSO) so they can conduct alternate screening.

To help you get through security more efficiently, it's a good idea to pull your TENS unit out of our carry-on bag and put it in the screening bin so the TSO can get a clear view and clear it.

Even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears to have been tampered with, or poses other security concerns. The final decision rests with TSA on whether to allow any items on the plane.

So, it's similar to a CPAP, which many people travel with and have no difficulty. I'd emphasize the second paragraph - trying to "hide" it in a sock, or anywhere else, will just cause trouble. They will merely find it on the X-ray and question why you were trying to hide it. Instead, take it out of your suitcase and explain that it is a medical device. They often want to swab CPAPs for explosives, so they may want to swab the TENS unit - or they may not.

However, remember that all this is for the US. TSA does not work at foreign airports, and local security may have other policies and procedures.

Posted by
2167 posts

Just a thought, but if you're going to a country that's other than English-speaking, Google-translate the item and have it on paper to show should there be a security question.

Posted by
305 posts

Judy,
Last time I traveled I had to carry a small gel ice pack for medical reasons. I bought a small mesh zipper bag and put the gel pack and my doctors note in it and packed it on the very top of my bag so it could be easily pulled out and identified if needed. It kept it all together which was very helpful.