TSA Rule changes for Medical Devices

It does sound unfair, and it might be one of those situations where I might just "not know" that rule and go on through. If they catch it (and how could they if it didn't beep the metal detector?) you'd just have to go through the patdown anyway, right? It seems like the only way they would know about it is if you were selected for a random patdown.

My wife also wears an insulin pump. As yours, her current pump is plastic and does not alert the scanner. At times an TSA agent will notice the device or tubing (if she is wearing it in a pants pocket for instance) and ask about it. When informed what it is, those in the know have just waved her on. Others (not as well trained?) have taken her aside for a thorough pat down. It has varied from airport to airport, and country to country. She's never had to swab it for explosives.

Unfair? Maybe. But in light of the perceived need for security measures it is okay.

On the other hand, is it logical that a terrorist would wear an explosive device where it is obvious and out in the open?

She has decided to not be upset about these procedures, but just to take it all in stride. After all, it is for the protection and safety of everyone.

Suggestion: be open about the pump and roll with the punches. Happy travels.

Where did you read about this change? I just checked the TSA website and they make no mention of it.

They mention that if you wear an insulin pump and are uncomfortable going through the WTMD you have a choice of being patted down instead.

TSA and Diabetes

I am sorry this upsets you, but many of us have to go through things now we never had to before 9/11. Taking off shoes,, when you can't bend over,, or you have to take off shoes off two or three kids,, not so fun. How about the man with bad foot odor,, he is humilated, how about the woman with orthapedic inserts,, and getting shoes on is time consuming and sometimes uncomfortalbe.. and there are no CHAIRS, I hate that!
I hate that I can't pack juice boxes like I used to be able to.. or bring certain liquids, I like to use carryon luggage only,, and that liquid rule gets in way .

And anyone can be pulled aside randomly for luggage going through, thats not a big deal..

20 or 30 minutes is not a big deal, go to airport 20-30 minutes early.

Or, just be quiet and walk through, as another poster said, unless you are randomly patted down why make a point of pump??

Anyways,, it is inconvienent, but not highly unfair at all.

I am on a discussion board at the American Diabetes Association and this topic came up. It noted that the TSA rules have not been updated and the man who ran into the problem with security and his pump checked the TSA website and then contacted them.

He was told that the rules had changed, and the web info would be updated.

As far as my complaints about being unfair--there is much less than 3 ounces of insulin in my pump, so why doesn't that follow the same rules for liquids? I agree that if it were an explosive, it would not be so evident.

By the way, I went through security in Chicago last June and I beeped. I explained I had a pump and was told to tuck it in my belt and walk through again--it would not beep ---by a TSA person! Now, as I get to the gate, I remove it from my pocket and tuck it in my belt--right in front of everyone. Not a word has been said.

The only thing I can think about not following the same 3 oz. liquids rule is that your liquid isn't in your 1 qt baggie, separate from everything else. Maybe they don't know how much it holds?