Traveling with Dexcom CGM

The Dexcom G6 CGM System can be a great travel companion, taking some of the stress out of your diabetes management so you can focus on your journey. If your trip includes a commercial airline flight, you might have questions about going through airport security and Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) checkpoints with your wearable sensor, transmitter, and Dexcom receiver. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• You can go through walk-in metal detectors or be hand-wanded without worrying about damaging any of your Dexcom G6 components.
• If you’re concerned or uncomfortable about walking through the metal detector, let a TSA officer know that you’re wearing a continuous glucose monitor, and request a full-body pat-down with a visual inspection of your sensor and transmitter. Make sure they’re aware that the sensor cannot be removed because it’s inserted under your skin.
• Not all full-body scanners – also called AIT or millimeter wave scanners – have been tested with Dexcom CGM systems: We recommend not passing through these, as they may affect your CGM equipment.
• If you have Dexcom G6 components in a travel bag, do not put them through baggage X-ray machines: Place them in a separate bag or bin and ask a TSA officer to perform a visual inspection.
• For other medical supplies, such as medications, meters, and strips, check manufacturer instructions, the American Diabetes Association, or the TSA website.
• Note that this page only covers the Dexcom CGM System components – not the steps you need to take when traveling with a smart device like a phone or watch. Refer to your smart device’s user guide for travel tips.

You can also download our “Notice of Medical Device” letter and have it filled out by your healthcare provider, then present it at the airport to help explain your Dexcom CGM System. 

Once you are on the plane, if you are using a smart device to get your Dexcom G6 glucose information, you’ll need to put your device in airplane mode, and then turn Bluetooth® on to connect to your transmitter. If you’re using a Dexcom receiver, simply keep it on and running as normal.

If you have more detailed technical questions, you can contact your airline in advance for their policies, and refer to the following specifications if necessary: The G6 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 discharge (ESD) and electromagnetic interference (EMI).