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Airport security and Medtronic pumps/cgms

  • 1.  Airport security and Medtronic pumps/cgms

    Posted 27-06-2022 10:41
    Does anyone else have difficulty with security wanting you to go through the body scanner instead of the metal detector with your Medtronic pump? It is clear from the information from Medtronic and even a simple google search that metal detectors are suitable but not body scanners. However it is the 2nd time (2 out of 2) that I have had trouble at Canberra airport where they insisted and insisted I was safer to go through the body scanner. When I refused to do that but gladly offered any other option including a pat down they continue arguing the point until I was in tears. Eventually after making me stand aside and let everyone else through (humiliating) they surrounded me with 4 security while one did a pat down. The head security even told me that if I was making a report of the "incident" (his words), I was to say I "was then helped by the head of security"! He told me not to talk and listen to him while he said I should go through the body scanner. I did have a doctor's letter (organised after same issues earlier in the year) but unfortunately I couldn't access it as I had inadvertently put it in my jacket pocket ready but had to take my jacket off to go through security. They wouldn't let me access it. My belongings went through security a good while before me in the end and I was lucky I had family with me who collected it. It would have just sat for anyone to take… including the blood glucose machine I need to calibrate my sensor. The whole experience was awful. I have not had the same level of issues at Brisbane airport. Was it just me? Unlucky twice? Or do people just do what security say and go through the body scanner that Medtronic clearly advises not to - particularly at Canberra airport?

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    Michele
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  • 2.  RE: Airport security and Medtronic pumps/cgms

    Posted 27-06-2022 12:58
    Hi Michelle, So sorry to hear about your horrible experience at Canberra Airport, what can you expect, aren't they all public servants down there. Sorry that's just my sense of humour.
    You think that security people would have some training, heaven help us if it was something serious. I feel very sarcastic towards public servants currently, because I don't think they work to protect the public only themself's.
    Again sorry for your experience Michelle.
    Cheers Anita

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    Anita
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Airport security and Medtronic pumps/cgms

    Posted 27-06-2022 19:50
    Edited by Diabetes Australia Community team 27-06-2022 19:49
    So, that is where you have to write to QANTAS/VIRGINor whatever and tell them of your experience with Security. They pay for the service.

    Also tell them that you had been advised by the pump manufacturer not to use Body Scanners because of the radiation risk to the pump’s memory and to the sensor. If they were to insist then you would like to see their supervisor. And, further intransigence on their part would mean that you would want a letter from them about their insistence and that they would be liable for any repairs to your pump and medical bills if it malfunctioned. Pumps at $10,000 puts the fear of god into them.

    It only happened to me once. I won. But, it took calm insistence and refusal to comply with their ignorant posturing. Mine ended with me removing the pump for the minute it took to wipe it down for chemicals and me to step through the metal detector. That was in Denver.

    One can only assume that “he” had had a bad day, was unhappy, and you were female. I am male. That frightens them. Their behaviour towards women is NOT acceptable and you HAVE to complain.

    Regards
    David

    Adjunct Professor David H McKinnon
    School of Education
    Edith Cowan University
    Joondalup 6027, Perth
    Western Australia

    ________________________________

    This e-mail is confidential. If you are not the intended recipient you must not disclose or use the information contained within. If you have received it in error please return it to the sender via reply e-mail and delete any record of it from your system. The information contained within is not the opinion of Edith Cowan University in general and the University accepts no liability for the accuracy of the information provided.

    CRICOS Provider No. 00279B
    RTO Code 4756


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  • 4.  RE: Airport security and Medtronic pumps/cgms

    Posted 28-06-2022 07:27
    Hi Michele

    Sorry you have been treated so poorly.   For what it's worth, I have been forced to go through both x-ray and body scanners in foreign countries and it has thankfully had no affect on my pump. 

    I am British so have flown internationally a lot with my pump, but never with CGM (thanks Covid).    I had a horrible experience twice in Dubai, when I was  herded like a camel through the security  and pushed through the scanner, despite me trying to tell them about  my pump.   When my pump, happily sitting clipped in my undies, lit up like a Christmas tree, I was forced into a cubicle, where i was indicated to strip by two female security staff dressed in black burkhas.   I could only see their eyes and they do not like making eye contact.  They kept me in the cubicle for at least 10 minutes where they had a full on conversation in Arabic, looking at me all the the time while I was standing there.   I am blond with very fair skin and I felt awful.   This happened twice.   The second time, was much quicker and only one member of staff.  It was horrendous and I felt completely violated. 
    I will not fly through Dubai any more as it was so degrading.   

    I believe this sort of behaviour is due to lack of education and training on the part of the airline.  I did have a letter from my doctor,  but I was not allowed to touch my bag after the pulled me out of the queue.    Flying as as Type 1 is scary enough,  it doesn't need to be made harder by airlines who do not invest enough in education in order to make their customers feel safe and respected when travelling with them.  

    Im heading overseas in March next year, and will have my CGM in place......that'll be interesting.  

    Roll in 1 July........CGM subsidy for ALL type 1's..... 


    Jane 




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    Jane
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Airport security and Medtronic pumps/cgms

    Posted 28-06-2022 08:07
    Hi Jane, David and Anita,

    Thanks for your replies :).

    Jane, where do you do you stop over these days? I flew to the UK in 2019 Xmas through Dubai and while I had no issues I was very nervous and decided I'd try a different stop over. 

    David, I will make a complaint and did so last time. It was the supervisor (head security) that I ended up dealing with but he was no better than any of the others. He also wouldn't tell me his name. I like the idea of the cost to them for $10 000. That indeed might make them listen. 

    I was travelling with my son (24yrs) and he spoke to head of security after the "incident" and with my doctors letter and he made excuses that they were short staffed (covid), had inadequate training, once he could see he was wrong. That's when he said to say he "helped" me in my complaint. :0

    I was not making a scene (they were by surrounding me and making me stand away and wait). Just quietly refusing the scanner and offering to do anything else instead. I think it was the fact that they wouldn't let me speak that upset me the most. 

    I am about to have my first grandchild in Canberra and I had intended making this a frequent flight. It's a long drive from Brisbane to avoid airport security but I am considering it now for some trips. 

    Thanks again for your replies. I was feeling quiet isolated and lacking a solution for the next time. The more I think about it, I will give the doctors letter to the 1st security person where you put you bags etc... the letter and hope for the best. 

    Michele 








    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Airport security and Medtronic pumps/cgms

    Posted 28-06-2022 18:50
    Good luck with that next time Michelle. Being proactive is good. The 15hour drive is too much. You would be too wrecked for a couple of days to enjoy the new grandchild.

    Kind regards
    David

    Adjunct Professor David H McKinnon
    School of Education
    Edith Cowan University
    Joondalup 6027, Perth
    Western Australia

    ________________________________

    This e-mail is confidential. If you are not the intended recipient you must not disclose or use the information contained within. If you have received it in error please return it to the sender via reply e-mail and delete any record of it from your system. The information contained within is not the opinion of Edith Cowan University in general and the University accepts no liability for the accuracy of the information provided.

    CRICOS Provider No. 00279B
    RTO Code 4756


    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Airport security and Medtronic pumps/cgms

    Posted 28-06-2022 08:09
    And yes Jane! Roll on that fabulous subsidy! A great saving to the hip pocket :).



    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: Airport security and Medtronic pumps/cgms

    Posted 28-06-2022 12:20
    Hi Michelle
    sorry to hear about your "security" difficulties. It seems that as a T1 life just goes on throwing us curve balls. As if we did not have enough to deal with at the best of times, then you add in the travelling stresses and then some ignorant/untrained security git who wants to thow what little bit of power they have around and it is always easier to do that with the vulnerable.
    I am going overseas in Sept  so it was good to have the warning to have your doctor's letter on your person. I will be wearing a CGM (and carrying a backup in my luggage) so hope they don't expect me to take it off to go through security. Better make sure I don't put a patch over it before I leave.
     I usually use a Dexcom 6 CGM (with reader rather than a phone as I don't always have phone service> but may try a Libre2 Flash GM as it lasts a bit longer, if my CDE can lend me a reader for the trip. UNfortunately there is not a lot of phone coverage in the jungles of South Africa so a reader is better. I prefer them anyway. 
    Hopefully South Africa security/immigration/customs will not be a problem on arrival 😏
    Hope future trips to Canberra are less eventful and you can get over this experience enough to put in a complaint.
    all the best

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    Rochelle
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    Original Message


  • 9.  RE: Airport security and Medtronic pumps/cgms

    Posted 28-06-2022 15:42
    Hi
    As a frequent flyer (used to be travelling  around 10 months of the year pre covid) and as a T1 for 52 years, I have been through all challenges with security from needles, penfills, pumps and CGM. 
    In running through airport scanning, whether domestic or international, I have typically put all needed inj the trays and then pulled my pump out at arms length and gone through scanning - whether standard domestic or international body scans. This has not caused any issue with the pump (I have been on pumps for 5+ years) and, most times, that has been the end of the security. On a few occasions, they will do a swipe of the pump for the explosive tests but that is a pretty minor inconvenience. 
    I have found this top be no issue and, in most cases, no big challenge. 
    Travelling in some regions has been a bit harder due to the security staff attitudes, but I found that to be more the case of the country than diabetes related. The TAS staff in the US have been one of the worst places for unprofessional security staff but that has been across the board and not much to do with m having a pump. Japan has been interesting with the security staff wanting to do a very "intimate" pat down when i held the pump (which had no security issue) but it seemed the security guy seemed to want to be VERY thorough - all the time in the general thoroughfare at the screening channel. 
    All in all, I think you have to be a little cautious of the Medtronic warnings and run the (minimal) risk of issues. the one thing I wouldn't do is take the pump off and put it through the baggage scanning.  Those units seem to be a lot harsher from the little I have read about it.
    Hope it settles for you and you can deal with the inconveniences OK.
    Ian



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    Ian
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    Original Message


  • 10.  RE: Airport security and Medtronic pumps/cgms

    Posted 28-06-2022 18:05

    Hi

    Fortunately I have not had to put up with that behaviour when flying but have had a few 'frank discussions' with personnel who have attempted to assure me that the scanner will not affect my pump. Some airports now have full body scans that generated a generalised image of your body. Does anyone know whether those machines use x-rays, as I shall be flying SYD_LHR in a couple of months? I see from the Medtronic information that the CGM sensor and  transmitter are also not to be x-rayed and Medtronic's first advice is to remove it before the x-ray machine! Their alternative advice is to request a pat-down. 

    On a lighter note, I have  in the past couple of years had a Australian GP who was examining my abdomen ask what the 'patch' was on my stomach - he had not seen a pump before. At least he did not interrogate me!

    All the best for other flying pumpers!

    Harwood



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    Harwood
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    Original Message


  • 11.  RE: Airport security and Medtronic pumps/cgms

    Posted 28-06-2022 20:34
    Hi Harwood,
    The body scanners use Terra-hertz radiation. The danger they pose for pumps is the micro chips, which can arc and short circuit. That is why Medtronic recommends NOT to take the pump through. X-rays are worse - much higher energy but low intensity. 

    Regards 
    David

    Adjunct Professor David H McKinnon
    School of Education
    Edith Cowan University
    Joondalup 6027, Perth 
    Western Australia



    Original Message


  • 12.  RE: Airport security and Medtronic pumps/cgms

    Posted 29-06-2022 10:45
    Thank you David for the information.
    Harwood

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    Harwood
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    Original Message


  • 13.  RE: Airport security and Medtronic pumps/cgms

    Posted 30-06-2022 16:48

    Afternoon

    l have needed to travel between Brisbane and Melbourne, initially in April (pre Easter) again in May and more recently in June (during current school holidays) equaling 6 flights. I have had several of the same issues that you guys have talked about I.e trying to be convinced by security officers that X-rays (otherwise indicated by Medtronic to be unsafe) are safe, being told not to worry about my property on the conveyor belt while l am isolated off to the far side (because they have cameras) , to take off my jacket, leave my jacket on, take off shoes, or not take off shoes, take off my pump which l clearly stated would not happen. 

    During Easter and School holidays it has been worse as it almost felt like the airport staff were told to be super vigilant and adopted new/different demands on what l needed to do. Aside from being highly anxious about how l would be treated 'this time' l ask myself why should their vigilance change. I can only put it down to lack of consistent practices, lack of training or some of the security officers just getting off on having some power. 

    Something needs to change as Type 1's are doing it tough everyday and l for one would like to travel and be treated with courtesy not denigrated. Regards Eva



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    Eva
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    Original Message


  • 14.  RE: Airport security and Medtronic pumps/cgms

    Posted 06-07-2022 15:59
    Hi Eva,  I so agree with what you are saying, about security staff not having enough training to do their job and dealing with passengers with different medical issues. I would also stand my grand in the way I was dealt with as I believe I know lots more about Type 1 diabetes then any of them. Perhaps we should try to contact airport security about the problems.
    Cheers Anita



    Original Message


  • 15.  RE: Airport security and Medtronic pumps/cgms

    Posted 08-07-2022 00:50
    "Travelling in some regions has been a bit harder due to the security staff attitudes, but I found that to be more the case of the country than diabetes related. The TAS staff in the US have been one of the worst places for unprofessional security staff but that has been across the board and not much to do with m having a pump. "

    Mainland USA maybe, Hawaii the opposite they were quite laidback and extremely T1 aware.. I had an experience there where they did the manual metal detector instead of the scan (without my intervention because they were medical device aware), on me and swabbed the pump... Imagine the fear that went through me when it tested positive to explosives.  Two minutes (during which the sweat was lashing off me with fear) of mundane questions such as where were you located during your stay etc, by a super friendly officer and I was on my way again.  

    I always take a full change of clothes & small towel in hand luggage usually for quick stopovers  on the longhauls that might present the opportunity for a shower before the final stint. Came in handy at the beginning of that particular one. :-)
    ​

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    Richard
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    Original Message


  • 16.  RE: Airport security and Medtronic pumps/cgms

    Posted 03-07-2022 15:32
    Michelle, I travelled through Canberra airport recently, and like you  had a poor experience. I only had my CGM on at the time, but despite them being asked for a metal detector or pat down, they tried to force me through the body scanner. It took causing a scene and calling for the supervisor, who was flummoxed and seemed to 'wing it', to eventually get a resolution. It was so unnecessary and unprofessional. The security staff at most airports these days are not public servants, but contractors, and their training seems to be poor to non-existent. Makes you wonder if, with staff shortages from Covid, they've just gone down the local pub and yelled out "who wants to earn some cash"!!!

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    Steven
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    Original Message


  • 17.  RE: Airport security and Medtronic pumps/cgms

    Posted 04-07-2022 20:19
    I have always shown my pump at security and have been through the body scanner twice without any implications to my pump, otherwise I get a pat down, especially if I'm overseas and I've never had a problem, well not yet.

    I feel if we need to go through it the body scanner they would not make it too harmful for us and it is definitely better than putting your pump through the luggage scanner which is a lot stronger. I have my pump settings on my phone so if it has a melt down, I have the settings.

    I have been overseas quite a few times and have always asked for a pat down.

    Perhaps we need to get a person from each pump group to give their views in what they recommend re going through airport security as I would be very interested.

    Cheers
    Stephanie

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    Stephanie
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    Original Message


  • 18.  RE: Airport security and Medtronic pumps/cgms

    Posted 04-07-2022 22:16
    Great idea Stephanie.
    I asked AMSL for advice regarding my Dexcom G6 as I am travelling overseas in Sept. They replied almost immediately and emailed an official 1 Page printout. I seem to have a problem with the email now however I did print it out before I "Lost" the email, When I am back home in a couple of days I will check and let you know their advice - at least in regard to the G6.

    I will take this printout with me so I have it to show them. I am going to South Africa so it will be good to have it there as well.

    I was thinking about wearing a Libre2 (rather than having to take an extra Dexcom) and borrowing a reader for the 10 days from my CDE but have not been able to find an email avenue for Abbott/Libre. I want something in writing not just advice over the phone.

    I guess I am lucky to have options and time to work them out.

    Regards

    Rochelle


    Original Message


  • 19.  RE: Airport security and Medtronic pumps/cgms

    Posted 05-07-2022 09:18
    Abbott sent me a complementary Libre 2 reader as I was switching to Libre 2.

    I've also had good results in using DiaBox app on my phone, linking directly to FSL2 and giving me real time BGL on phone and watch, alarms, etc. Once the FSL2 is started with the reader I only use it for a couple of calibration entries.

    I haven't been through a body scanner with FSL2 but have many times with a FSL1 with no problems. They have a look but no real troubles.

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    Roger
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    Original Message


  • 20.  RE: Airport security and Medtronic pumps/cgms

    Posted 05-07-2022 17:25

    Hi Rochelle, Don't do what I did and accidentally put my letter (regarding airport scanners and pumps and cgms) with all the loose bits and pieces through the separate scanner. Security  wouldn't let me access it or believe that I had one until after I finally got through so it didn't help me that time. 

    I will hold it tight next time and give to the person calling for the loose items to go into the trays right at the start. 

    Good luck and safe travels! 



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    Michele
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    Original Message


  • 21.  RE: Airport security and Medtronic pumps/cgms

    Posted 06-07-2022 20:28
    Your story was great advice and I will certainly have all my paperwork in my POCKET with extra copies stashed in every bag! I will have my doctor's letter as well as the advices from AMSL/Dexcom and Abbott/Libre.
    I have just purchased a handbag/small backpack from Rockadex which has been especially designed for diabetics! It should hold all my gear and hopefully will be stylish enough to dazzle security staff so they do not hassle me about the content 😉😛
    Thanks for the timely advice. Happy travel for you in the future too.
    Regards
    Rochelle


    Original Message


  • 22.  RE: Airport security and Medtronic pumps/cgms

    Posted 05-07-2022 19:01

    Hi Folks

     

    Lots of talk re pumps, monitors and airport dramas. So I thought I might relate an experience I had a number of years back re insulin that might shed a little different light on the subject.

    I refuse to have my insulin irradiated by scanning so I show it to the scanner people and put up with the idiocy that follows my refusal.

    On one such occasion in Bris international, a seemingly officious young woman barked at me to follow her to presumably have it inspected elsewhere.

    While following her at a short distance from the scanner area, without turning around she calmly told me to play along and the charade would soon be over.

    We went to a room where she told me that the antics were only necessary in order for her and her colleagues to keep their jobs: one was sacked for "going easy" a few days prior.

    We had a nice chat about the way the world was run and the airport idiocy, twiddled out thumbs for a couple of private minutes and returned to where the all seeing eyes were focused.

    The insulin was not scanned or checked. We had exchanged pleasantries and big brother was satisfied.

    And that's how it works folks: the treadmill of useless compliance.

     

    Cheers

    Cris




    Original Message


  • 23.  RE: Airport security and Medtronic pumps/cgms

    Posted 05-07-2022 22:06
    Brilliant story. Brilliant young lady.

    Adjunct Professor David H McKinnon
    School of Education
    Edith Cowan University
    Joondalup 6027, Perth
    Western Australia

    ________________________________

    This e-mail is confidential. If you are not the intended recipient you must not disclose or use the information contained within. If you have received it in error please return it to the sender via reply e-mail and delete any record of it from your system. The information contained within is not the opinion of Edith Cowan University in general and the University accepts no liability for the accuracy of the information provided.

    CRICOS Provider No. 00279B
    RTO Code 4756


    Original Message


  • 24.  RE: Airport security and Medtronic pumps/cgms

    Posted 06-07-2022 11:27

    Hello Chris. 

    Thankfully my endocrinologist wrote an official letter to outline my medical situation. The airport official walked to me before I walked through to see my diabetic luggage. 

    It was taken but not scanned whereas I did as recommended.
    I'm always so surprised by the lack of vital information needed for all travelers who do have a serious medical condition.

    I've yet to travel with my sensor and hope as done to you given some privacy as needed.
     



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    MelMM
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    Original Message


  • 25.  RE: Airport security and Medtronic pumps/cgms

    Posted 05-07-2022 10:39
    I no longer have a pump and acknowledge that there have been advances in the technology since I gave up on the pump a coupler of years ago.
    However, I used to unclip the pump, slip it into a zip lock bag and hand it to security staff. That was always acceptable to security staff. Sometimes they poked a drug detector apparatus into the zip lock bag, but mostly it was the best way for me to avoid problems, as I had once been told to pass through the full body scan machine.
    That should not haver happened if the security staff had been trained accordingly.
    All the best for trouble free travel.
    Julie

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    Julie
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    Original Message


  • 26.  RE: Airport security and Medtronic pumps/cgms

    Posted 20-02-2023 16:19

    My endo and GP write me a letter that I'm not to be scanned and not to remove the device. That's for domestic and international flights. I show then the letters and pump and tell them you can pat me down, I dont care. They also swab me every time. Hassle? Yes! I just get to the airport way ahead of time.  

    In Phuket they have to ring the airline to make sure its okay.

    Hope your travel experience is better next time!



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    Denise
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    Original Message


  • 27.  RE: Airport security and Medtronic pumps/cgms

    Posted 20-02-2023 16:59

    Hi Michelle

    I have been travelling for years back and forth through scanners and x-ray machines and have had absolutely no problems with my Medtronic pumps over the 12 years I have been pumping.  Since using the guardian 3 sensors and transmitters, still no issues.   I would love to see the scientific evidence of exactly what it does to the pump.   Recently I was in Canada for nearly a month, so a couple of international flights and lots of domestic.  Apart from the fact Air Canada couldn't organise a cake fight in a bun factory, they were superb in customs when I pointed out my pump and sensor.  

    I feel standing up to customs can cause you so much unnecessary distress, as it would seem you endured that.   When a sensor only costs about $7 now, I would happily remove it If I had to and disconnect my pump. 

    I have had two very alarming experiences whilst flying through UAE when they didn't know what a pump was let alone a sensor.   I was asked to strip to my undies twice in front of two arabs, who knew what sex they were?? they were fully dressed from head to foot in the full hijab.  

    To my mind, it is not worth arguing with anyone.  They have so much more power than you.

    I carry my NDSS card and a copy of my script which they can match up to my insulin.  

    I am flying to Italy, Germany and Amsterdam in a few weeks time...... I may have an all new experience to report on yet again.

    I flew in and out of Canberra twice in a couple of months around about 20 months ago, just before QLD was locked down, and I didn't have any problems going through.  

    I hope your horrid experience doesn't take away your fun of travelling.

       



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    Jane
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    Original Message


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