Can Insulin Pumps Go Through Airport Scanners? TSA Guidelines, Manufacturer Rules & My Personal Experience

I've been through airport security with two very different insulin pump setups — and the experience couldn't have been more different between them.

When I was using the Omnipod DASH with a FreeStyle Libre 2, airport security was almost effortless.

The Omnipod is tubeless, discreet, and — crucially — cleared to pass through X-ray machines and most scanners without any issues. I'd walk up, mention I was wearing a medical device, and usually be waved through without a second glance. The FreeStyle Libre 2 was a different story — sensors need to avoid certain full-body scanners, which meant I occasionally had to request an alternative screening. But overall, the process was quick and I rarely felt stressed.

Since switching to the Medtronic MiniMed 670G with the Guardian sensor, I've had to be more proactive.

The 670G should not go through X-ray machines or full-body scanners — which means every time I fly, I need to inform the TSA officer before screening, request a pat-down, and make sure the Guardian sensor is also exempted from the full-body scanner. It takes a little longer. But once you know the routine, it becomes just another step in the process.

The key lesson from both experiences: knowing your device's specific rules before you get to the airport security checkpoint makes everything easier.

This guide breaks down exactly what those rules are — which insulin pumps can go through airport scanners and which cannot — for the most common pumps on the market today.

👉 If you’re planning a trip, our complete guide on traveling with insulin walks you through everything you need to know—from airport security rules to practical packing strategies and temperature management during long journeys.

Can Insulin Pumps Go Through Airport Security?

Yes — insulin pumps can absolutely go through airport security.

But whether they can safely pass through specific screening machines depends on two things:

• the type of equipment being used
• and the manufacturer's guidelines for your specific pump.

Some pumps can go through everything without concern.
Others should avoid X-ray machines and full-body scanners entirely.
And the CGM sensor you wear may also add another layer of consideration on top of the pump itself.

In the U.S., TSA agents are trained to assist diabetic travelers, and if you have doubts, you always have the right to request a manual pat-down instead of going through any scanning equipment. Knowing this — and being prepared to ask calmly and clearly — is the single most important thing you can do to make security smoother.

👉 Airport security is just one part of flying with diabetes. If you want a complete guide to the whole process — from packing your supplies to keeping insulin cold on the plane — our guide on Flying with Insulin covers everything you need to know before you reach the airport.

INSULIN PUMPS & AIRPORT SCANNERS: THE VIDEO!

If you prefer watching over reading, here's a quick video recap of everything covered in this article.

TSA Screening Machines: How They Affect Your Insulin Pump

Before getting into pump-specific rules, it helps to understand what the different airport screening machines actually are — because "airport scanner" can mean several different things, and the distinctions matter.

Baggage X-ray machines

The airport baggage X-ray machines scan your carry-on and checked luggage as they pass through on a conveyor belt.

They don't directly affect the insulin pump you're wearing on your body — but if you're carrying a backup pump in your bag, exposing it to X-ray could be damaging depending on the model.

❌ Most insulin pumps should not go through baggage X-ray machines.

Walk-through metal detectors and hand-held wands

The arched metal detector you walk through at the checkpoint — and the hand-held wand a TSA officer might use to scan specific areas of your body.

These use electromagnetic fields, not radiation.

✅ Most insulin pumps can safely pass through metal detectors and be hand-wanded, though you should always verify with your manufacturer.

360° full-body scanners (Millimeter Wave Technology)

These are the tall, cylindrical scanners now used in many airports where you stand with your arms raised while the machine rotates around you. These use low-level millimeter wave electromagnetic energy.

⚠️ This is where the recommendations start to diverge significantly between insulin pump manufacturers. Some advise against full-body scanners entirely; others permit them under certain conditions. 

Now, let's look at what each manufacturer actually says about your specific insulin pump.

Airport Scanner Rules for Every Insulin Pump: Brand-by-Brand Breakdown

Omnipod DASH

✅ Good news for Omnipod DASH users — and this is something I appreciated enormously during the years I wore one.

According to Omnipod's manufacturer, the Pod and PDM can safely pass through airport X-ray machines, and the Pod and PDM can tolerate common electromagnetic and electrostatic fields, including airport security.

In practice, this means Omnipod DASH users can pass through metal detectors, baggage X-ray machines, and full-body scanners without worrying about damaging the device.

Insulet does recommend notifying security personnel when going through screening, and you should set your PDM to airplane mode during the flight — though Bluetooth remains enabled in airplane mode so you can still communicate with your Pod.

Omnipod 5

❌ For Omnipod 5 users, the situation is slightly different. The Omnipod 5 System (Pod and Controller) should NOT be placed through baggage X-ray machines or through Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT full-body) body scanners, as the system and connected CGMs have not been tested for safety in these scanners.

Insulet recommends requesting alternative screening — hand-held wand, walk-through metal detector, or a pat-down — and requesting a visual inspection of any carry-on bags containing diabetes supplies.

This is an important distinction between the two Omnipod systems, and one that's easy to miss if you've upgraded from DASH to Omnipod 5.

Medtronic Insulin Pumps at The Airport: My Current Setup!

Since switching to the Medtronic MiniMed 670G insulin pump, I've had to be more careful and more proactive at airport security checkpoints — and I want to be honest about that, because it's a real part of traveling with this system.

The rules for the Medtronic Insulin Pumps are clear and Medtronic officially states them on its website:

❌ Your Medtronic pump should not go through the X-ray machine that is used for carry-on or checked luggage, or the full-body scanner.

If you choose to go through the full-body scanner anyways, you will need to disconnect the infusion set and remove your insulin pump and CGM (sensor and transmitter) prior to the scan.

✅ Metal detectors ok. Your insulin pump, infusion set, reservoir and CGM system can withstand exposure to airport metal detectors.

What this means in practice:

I always approach the airport checkpoint early, tell the TSA officer I'm wearing an insulin pump and a CGM sensor that can't go through the full-body scanner, and request a pat-down instead. I hand my bag through the conveyor belt as normal — but I carry the pump on my body through the metal detector, not through the X-ray machine.

The pat-down process itself is straightforward. The officer performs a physical check, usually swabs the pump for explosive residue, and that's it. The whole thing adds perhaps two or three minutes to the security process.

Having the Airport Information Card for your Medtronic Pump ready to show significantly reduces the time spent explaining. This card comes in the front pocket of your user guide when you purchase the pump — if you've lost it, you can download it directly from Medtronic's website. I always keep a copy on my phone and a printed copy in my travel bag.

Tandem t:slim X2

✅ Your Tandem t:slim X2 insulin pump can safely pass through metal detectors. 

❌ It should not go through X-ray machines.

Notify security agents that your pump should not be exposed to X-rays and require alternative means of screening. For full-body scanners, you will need to disconnect and remove your insulin pump prior to the scan.

Tandem provides a printable note for flying with the t:slim X2 that you can show TSA agents to request a pat-down. Download it from Tandem's website before you travel.

Accu-Chek Combo

✅ Accu-Chek insulin pumps can safely pass through walk-through metal detectors. 

❌ But they should not be exposed to X-ray baggage machines or full-body scanners. 

Roche Diabetes, the manufacturer, notes that if the pump is accidentally exposed to a magnetic disturbance, it will alert the user with an auditory and tactile warning and display an "E7" error message — at which point it will temporarily stop delivering insulin until restarted.

Beta Bionics iLet Bionic Pancreas

The iLet has a clear and somewhat unusual split in its guidelines compared to most other pumps.

❌ According to Beta Bionics' official safety documentation, the iLet System — including the iLet Device, infusion set, and CGM components — should not be exposed to X-ray screening at airports.

✅ However, in a notable difference from many other pumps, metal detectors and full-body scanners at airports are acceptable.

This means iLet users should walk through the standard metal detector without concern, and can also go through full-body scanners — but should not let their device go through baggage X-ray machines, and should request that carry-on bags containing any backup device are visually inspected rather than X-rayed.

Beta Bionics provides a dedicated travel guide — Traveling with your iLet Bionic Pancreas System — available on their website, which is worth downloading before your trip.

Sequel Med Tech twiist

The twiist is one of the newest insulin pumps on the market, having received FDA clearance in March 2024 and launching broadly in the US in July 2025. It's a genuinely exciting system — powered by the Tidepool Loop algorithm, it directly measures the volume of insulin delivered with every microdose, which is a significant technological step forward.

However, because it is such a recent entrant, specific published airport security guidelines from Sequel Med Tech are not yet as widely documented as those from more established manufacturers. 

Therefore, it's safer to assume the most cautious approach until you have confirmed guidance directly from the manufacturer. That means treating it like most tubed pumps — metal detectors yes, X-ray machines and full-body scanners no — and requesting a pat-down until Sequel publishes explicit guidance.

Before traveling with the twiist, I'd strongly recommend contacting Sequel Med Tech's customer support directly to confirm their current airport security recommendations for your specific setup, particularly if you're also using a CGM integrated with the system.

👉 Don't forget that keeping insulin cool on the plane is just as important as getting through security. Our guide on How to Keep Insulin Cool When Traveling covers TSA-approved insulin coolers and everything you need to know about insulin temperature management while traveling. 

Do You Need an Insulin Pump Travel Letter?

TSA does not require a doctor's letter or medical certificate to travel with an insulin pump. But having one can make the process noticeably smoother — particularly if you're flying abroad or of you encounter a security officer who isn't familiar with your specific device.

A good insulin pump travel letter includes:

• Your medical condition and diagnosis
• The specific pump and CGM you're using, with model names
• A clear statement that the device cannot go through X-ray machines or full-body scanners
• A request for a pat-down alternative screening
• Your doctor's contact details and signature

Most pump manufacturers also provide their own documentation — Medtronic's Airport Information Card, Tandem's printable note (see above) — which you can use alongside or instead of a doctor's letter.

I carry both: the manufacturer card for quick reference at the checkpoint, and my own diabetes travel letter for international flights where I might encounter customs officers less familiar with my insulin supplies and pump technology.

👉 If you're traveling internationally with your pump, our guide on Diabetes Travel Letters explains exactly what your letter should include — with a free downloadable template you can take straight to your doctor's appointment.

What TSA Says About Insulin Pumps

TSA's official position on insulin pumps is clear and reassuring:

• ✅ Insulin pumps are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags
• ✅ You can request a pat-down instead of going through any screening technology
• ✅ You will not be required to remove your insulin pump during security checks
• ❌ You should not be sent through X-ray machines or full-body scanners without checking your manufacturer's guidelines first
• ❌ TSA agents may not always be familiar with your specific pump model — which is why carrying documentation matters

One thing worth knowing: if you encounter a TSA officer who isn't helpful or is unfamiliar with your device, you can ask for a Passenger Support Specialist or a Supervisory TSA Officer at the checkpoint. This is within your rights and can make a real difference if things aren't going smoothly.

FAQs About Insulin Pumps and Airport Security

• Should You Disconnect Your Insulin Pump for TSA Screenings?

TSA guidelines state that you will not be required to remove your insulin pump during security screenings. If you request a pat-down, there is no need to disconnect. The officer will screen you while the pump remains connected and in place.

If you choose to go through a full-body scanner — against most manufacturers' recommendations — you would need to disconnect and remove the pump first.

My strong recommendation is not to do this, and instead always request the pat-down. It's faster, safer for your device, and your right as a diabetic traveler.

• Can insulin pumps go through airport metal detectors?

Yes. Most insulin pumps — including the Medtronic MiniMed 670G, Tandem t:slim X2, Omnipod DASH, and Accu-Chek Combo — can safely pass through walk-through metal detectors and be hand-wanded. Always inform the TSA officer before screening that you're wearing a medical device.

• Can insulin pumps go through airport X-ray machines?

Generally no — and this applies to the X-ray machines used for carry-on and checked luggage as well as full-body scanners. The Omnipod DASH is a notable exception, as Insulet confirms it can safely pass through X-ray machines. Most other pumps, including the Medtronic MiniMed 670G and Tandem t:slim X2, should not be exposed to X-ray machines.

• Can insulin pumps go through full-body scanners?

Most manufacturers advise against full-body scanners. The Omnipod DASH can pass through them safely. The MiniMed 670G, Tandem t:slim X2, and Accu-Chek Combo should not. If you use the Omnipod 5, its CGM integration means it also shouldn't go through full-body scanners. When in doubt, request a pat-down.

• Can I request a pat-down instead of going through airport scanners?

Yes, always. This is your right as a traveler with a medical device. Simply inform the TSA officer before you reach the scanner that you are wearing an insulin pump and request a pat-down alternative. If the officer is unhelpful, ask for a Passenger Support Specialist or Supervisory TSA Officer.

• Can CGMs go through airport security scanners?

It depends on the CGM. The FreeStyle Libre 2 can pass through metal detectors but should avoid full-body scanners that use millimeter radio-wave technology. The Medtronic Guardian sensor should follow the same rules as the MiniMed 670G pump — metal detectors yes, X-ray and full-body scanners no. Always check your specific CGM manufacturer's guidelines before traveling.

• What happens if my insulin pump accidentally goes through an X-ray machine?

It depends on the pump. Some pumps may be unaffected by brief exposure; others may experience device errors or malfunction. The Accu-Chek Combo, for example, will display an E7 error and temporarily stop insulin delivery. If your pump goes through an X-ray machine accidentally, check the device immediately, verify it's functioning correctly, and contact your manufacturer's support line if you have any concerns.

• Can I pre-board a plane with an insulin pump?

Yes. Travelers with disabilities — which includes insulin-dependent diabetes — are generally eligible for pre-boarding on US domestic flights. This allows you to board early, secure your carry-on bag with all your supplies, and get settled before the rush. Simply inform gate agents that you're boarding with a medical condition when pre-boarding is announced.

💬 We’d Love to Hear From You

Have you traveled with an insulin pump and found a tip that makes airport security smoother — or had an experience that others should know about? 

Share it in the comments. The more we share as a community, the less stressful these situations become for everyone.