Can I speak to anyone at TSA before I travel?
Passengers may call TSA Cares within 72 hours of their flight with questions about screening and what to expect at the security checkpoint toll-free at 1-855-787-2227 (Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. ET | Weekends and holidays from 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. ET). TSA Cares is a helpline to assist passengers with disabilities and medical conditions. Passengers who are D/deaf or hard of hearing can use a relay service or email [email protected]. Passengers may also text questions and comments to AskTSA by texting “Travel” to 275-872 (8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. ET).
Who can help me at the airport?
More than 2,600 transportation security officers (TSOs) serve a dual role as passenger support specialists (PSS). These officers help passengers who are concerned about screening or for other help related to security. They receive training from individuals with disabilities and other experts to provide effective assistance. Training includes additional instruction on civil rights for individuals with disabilities and medical conditions, and strategies to provide help with dignity and respect.
TSA tries to have a PSS available during all screening checkpoint operating hours. If a passenger needs help from a PSS, they may ask an officer.
Is there a discreet way I can let TSA know about my diabetes?
TSA created an optional Disability Notification Card to discreetly inform TSOs you have a disability, medical condition, or medical device. It does not exempt you from screening but can facilitate communication with TSOs.
How do the body scanners and pat-downs impact me?
Most airports use both traditional metal detectors and advanced imaging technology (AIT), and an officer may direct you to either one. If AIT is available, you can request to use it instead of a metal detector. If you choose or if an officer requires a pat-down, you have the right to be screened in private with a witness of your choice. If you request a pat-down, the officer will search your entire person. If an officer requires a pat-down after a body scan, they will usually search on or near the area in which an irregularity was seen. For example, if you wear an insulin pump on your right side, only that area might be examined. Visit TSAs Security Screening webpage for more information.
Are there additional screening procedures for individuals who use insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs)?
If a passenger uses an insulin pump or CGM, they can be screened without disconnecting from the insulin pump or CGM. However, the passenger should inform the screening officer about medical devices before the process begins.
Passengers who have insulin pumps or CGMs may be screened with body scanners or a pat-down and a passenger may request either one.
Even if the passenger is screened using a body scan, the passenger's insulin pump or CGM is subject to additional screening. Under most circumstances, officers will ask the passenger to pat-down their devices then test the passenger’s hands for traces of explosives.
If you are unsure whether it’s safe to wear devices through body scanners, contact the manufacturer.
Some manufacturers recommend that devices not go through AIT scanners, while others say it’s OK for their devices. Passengers who use insulin pumps and CGMs have the right to decide to be screened by body scanners or by pat-down. Because recommendations for devices are different, TSA does not have a policy for screening all insulin pumps or CGMs the same way. TSOs should never tell you to take off your devices, tell you to go through AIT scanners with devices, or tell you that you can't go through the AIT scanners—it’s your choice.
Do my diabetes supplies need to go through the x-ray baggage scanner?
No. The TSA website says "[i]nform the TSA officer if you do not want your liquid medication to be screened by x-ray or opened. Additional steps will be taken to clear the liquid, and you or the traveling guardian will undergo additional screening procedures, which may include AIT screening, a pat-down, and additional screening of your carry-on property."
To prepare for visual inspection, separate your supplies from your other property in a clear, sealable bag before you get to the luggage scanning line. At the luggage scanning line, tell a TSO you want a visual inspection of your diabetes supplies instead of an x-ray. Do this before placing diabetes supplies on the conveyor belt, otherwise they will go through the x-ray.
During the visual inspection, the TSO should ask you to handle and repack your own diabetes supplies to prevent contamination or damage. Inspections may include swabbing for explosives. Any diabetes supplies that cannot be cleared visually must be submitted for x-ray screening. If you refuse, you might not be allowed to take your diabetes supplies past the checkpoint.
What should I do if I experience low blood glucose (hypoglycemia) during screening?
Tell officers immediately if you have low blood glucose and need medical assistance.
If you experience any issues at the airport, contact TSA Cares. Please also share your experiences with us by emailing [email protected] or calling 1-800-DIABETES (342-2383).
