Managing Diabetes
Traveling with your Dexcom G7 CGM and diabetes supplies
Published: Jul. 30, 2025
Updated: Aug. 4, 2025
6 min read
The content in this article should not be taken as medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider regarding your individual health needs.
Traveling with diabetes doesn’t have to be stressful—especially when your tech is as reliable as your passport, and your planning is on point. A little preparation goes a long way in making your trip smooth and stress-free. The Dexcom G7 Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System was designed to not impact or disrupt your travel plans. Whether you're jet-setting to a new city or road-tripping to your favorite beach*, your Dexcom G7 CGM is ready to go wherever you are.
Your Guide to Traveling with Dexcom G7
Preparation ahead of your next adventure goes a long way toward making your trip smooth and stress-free. With a little foresight, you can focus less on logistics and more on enjoying the journey. Before you head out:
Before You Go: Plan and Pack like a Pro
- Check your diabetes supply stash: Pack extra sensors, overpatches, and chargers. If you're traveling internationally, bring a plug adapter and voltage converter if needed.
- Map out your meds: Keep insulin and other medications in your carry-on and bring a doctor’s note if needed for customs.
- If you're flying with insulin, be sure to pack it in your carry-on bag to avoid temperature fluctuations in checked luggage. To keep it cool and effective during your journey, use an insulated travel case or portable cooler designed for medications.
- In the event you need extra supplies or may be traveling for a longer period of time, you may be able to obtain extra supplies through your insurance as a vacation override, or you can pay out of pocket for extra supplies from your distributor. Please reach out to your provider for more details.
- For other medical supplies, such as medications, meters, and strips, check manufacturer instructions, the American Diabetes Association, or the TSA website.
- Prep your tech: Make sure your Dexcom G7 app† is installed and updated before you leave your home country. The app checks your location during setup, not during use.
- Download key documents: Before your trip, consider downloading Dexcom’s “Notice of Medical Device” letter. Having your physician complete it in advance can help streamline your airport experience. When you reach security, simply present the form to explain your Dexcom CGM System—it’s a helpful way to avoid confusion and keep things moving.
Getting Through Airport Security with the Dexcom G7 CGM System
At security checkpoints, you can keep your Dexcom G7 sensor on while passing metal detectors and Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) body scanners. Alternatively, you may ask for hand-wanding or a full-body pat-down and visual inspection. Most security check points require you to temporarily give up your smart device† and receiver as well.
Hand-wanding, pat-downs, visual inspections, and walk-through metal detectors are all screening methods that can be used without risking damage to your Dexcom G7 components. If you're concerned or uncomfortable with using a metal detector, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends informing the Security Officer that you're wearing a continuous glucose monitor and would prefer a full-body pat-down along with a visual inspection of your sensor and transmitter. Be sure to let them know the sensor cannot be removed, as it is inserted under the skin. Since not all AIT body scanners and x-ray machines have been tested with the G7, opting for hand-wanding or a pat-down is the safest choice.
Dexcom G7 is safe to go through carry-on luggage scanning and will not affect product performance. As an alternative, you can also ask for visual inspection of any part of your Dexcom G7 in the baggage scanning machine.
To help you prepare for airport security checks and screening procedures for air travel, review any relevant airport websites and travel updates before your trip.
In the Air: Stay Connected
Want to keep an eye on your glucose while flying? You can! Here’s how to stay connected with your Dexcom G7 during your flight:
- Using your phone† or smartwatch‡? Just switch your device to airplane mode—your Dexcom G7 app will continue working in the background.
- Using a receiver? Keep it powered on as usual.
It’s always a good idea to check with your airline ahead of time for any specific device policies, and of course, follow all instructions from the flight crew while onboard.
Technical Information
The Dexcom G7 CGM System is an M-PED (Medical-Portable Electronic Device), which meets the FAA RTCA / DO-160 edition G Section 20 Category T and Section 21, Category M. It can be used on aircraft according to the directions provided by the operator of the aircraft.
This device can withstand exposure to common electrostatic (ESD) and electromagnetic interference (EMI).
Still Have Questions? Visit the TSA’s website if you have any questions or concerns at tsa.gov or contact them directly by email at: [email protected] or by phone at 1-866-289-9673.
Get started on Dexcom G7
Discover more about Dexcom G7 at https://www.dexcom.com/g7 Ready to get started today? Just click the button below to start your journey with Dexcom.
*The Dexcom G7 Sensor is waterproof and may be submerged under eight feet of water for up to 24 hours without failure when properly installed. †Compatible smart devices sold separately. To view a list of compatible devices, visit https://www.dexcom.com/compatibility ‡Compatible smartphone is required to pair a new Dexcom G7 sensor with a compatible Apple Watch. To use Share/Follow the smartphone must be within 33 feet of the Dexcom G7.\
BRIEF SAFETY STATEMENT: Failure to use the Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitoring System and its components according to the instructions for use provided with your device and available at https://www.dexcom.com/safety information and to properly consider all indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and cautions in those instructions for use may result in you missing a severe hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) or hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) occurrence and/or making a treatment decision that may result in injury. If your glucose alerts and readings from the Dexcom CGM do not match symptoms, use a blood glucose meter to make diabetes treatment decisions. Seek medical advice and attention when appropriate, including for any medical emergency.
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