Traveling with a Tandem Diabetes Care insulin pump requires some preparation to ensure a smooth journey. To help you navigate the travel process, please follow the guidelines below:
D. Software Updates While Traveling
Airport Security Screening
Tandem Diabetes Care insulin pumps are designed to withstand common electromagnetic interference from airport metal detectors, but should not be exposed to x-ray screening. Here's what you need to know about airport security:
- Tandem pumps should not go through baggage x-ray machines. Notify the security agent and request an alternate means of screening (e.g. disconnect and request a physical inspection of your pump). Make sure to disconnect at the infusion set site, not at the tubing connection (t:lock connector). Disconnecting at the t:lock connector could introduce air into the tubing, potentially compromising insulin delivery.
- Tandem pumps should not go through full-body scanners. Notify the security agent and request an alternate means of screening (e.g. pat down).
- Tandem pumps are safe to pass through metal detectors. Notify the security agent in advance that you are wearing an insulin pump, since the pump will be detected during the screening process.
To help with the screening process, provide a printed copy of the Flying with Your Tandem Insulin Pump handout to the security agent.
Travel Loaner Program
If you will be traveling to areas outside of the United States or to locations where receiving shipments may be difficult, Tandem offers a Travel Loaner Program that allows you to borrow a backup insulin pump for the duration of your trip.
We recommend keeping the Travel Loaner with you during your travels to ensure you have access to it in case anything happens to your existing insulin pump or if your luggage gets misplaced. As a reminder, Tandem pumps are designed to withstand common electromagnetic interference from airport metal detectors, but should not be exposed to x-ray screening, including airport baggage x-ray machines.
The Travel Loaner must be returned unopened or with an authorized return number, which you will need to receive in advance from Customer Technical Support. If the Travel Loaner is opened without prior authorization, you will be charged for the backup insulin pump.
If a security agent opens the Travel Loaner to inspect it, it is important to immediately reseal the box — in the exact condition it arrived in — to protect the insulin pump. If this occurs, please inform us when you return the Travel Loaner, and we will inspect the pump to ensure it has not been used. As long as there are no signs of usage and the software indicates it was never activated, you will not be charged for the pump.
Bluetooth Connectivity During Flight
If you enable Airplane mode on your smartphone, you must maintain an active Bluetooth connection between your smartphone and your insulin pump to use the t:connect mobile app. If you are unable to connect via Bluetooth, you can still use your insulin pump to deliver a bolus. Prior to travel, please check with your airline carrier about conditions for using Bluetooth during your flight.
Software Updates While Traveling
As long as you are using the latest version of the Tandem Device Updater, you should be able to update your pump from abroad. Be sure that you always have backup therapy available any time you attempt to update your pump.
