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Airport security is one of the most common sources of anxiety for travellers with medical devices or implants, and it’s often based on outdated or incomplete information. The reality for most devices and implants is straightforward: modern screening technology is generally safe, and you have clear rights to request alternative screening if you’d prefer.
This guide covers what to expect at security with common medical devices and implants, how to request alternative screening, and what documentation genuinely helps.
A note on what this is: This is practical travel guidance, not medical advice. Specific screening considerations can vary by device and by individual circumstances, so check with your device manufacturer or treating doctor if you have particular concerns.
Metal Detectors: What Actually Happens
Walk-through metal detectors
Brief exposure to a standard walk-through metal detector is generally considered safe for most implanted medical devices, including pacemakers, ICDs, joint replacements, and most other metal implants. The detector may alert due to the metal itself, which is normal and not a safety concern, just something that triggers additional screening.
What happens if the detector alerts
If the metal detector alerts, you’ll typically be offered a pat-down or asked to go through additional screening. Having your device documentation ready makes this process faster and clearer for security staff.
Body Scanners: What Actually Happens
Full-body millimetre wave scanners
These are now standard at most international airports and are generally considered safe for people with implanted medical devices. They use radio waves rather than ionising radiation, which is a common source of confusion and concern.
If you’d prefer to avoid the scanner
You can request a pat-down instead of the body scanner at any security checkpoint. This is a normal, well-understood request, and security staff handle it routinely.
Requesting Alternative Screening
You have the right to ask
At most international airports, travellers can request a hand search or pat-down instead of walking through a metal detector or body scanner. This applies whether your concern is about a specific device, a general preference, or discomfort with the standard screening process.
How to make the request
Tell the security officer before you begin the screening process, not after. Simply saying something like “I have a pacemaker and would prefer a pat-down” is generally sufficient to trigger the alternative process.
Carry your device documentation
Having a device identification card or a letter from your doctor ready makes this interaction smoother and faster, particularly at busier airports or when English isn’t the primary language at your destination.
Specific Devices and Implants
Pacemakers and ICDs
Brief metal detector exposure is generally considered safe. Alternative screening can be requested. Read our full guide on flying with a pacemaker or ICD for more detail.
Insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors
Manufacturer guidance often recommends avoiding the X-ray scanner used for carry-on baggage and sometimes the body scanner too, depending on the specific device. Check your device’s specific travel guidance, and request a hand inspection if recommended. Read our guide on travelling with diabetes for more detail.
Joint replacements
Metal joint replacements will often trigger a metal detector alert. This is completely normal and not a safety concern. A pat-down or additional screening typically resolves it quickly.
Cochlear implants and hearing aids
Generally considered safe to go through standard screening, though some people prefer to remove hearing aids before the scanner as a precaution. Check with your device manufacturer if you have specific concerns.
Insulin pens, syringes, and other diabetes supplies
Generally permitted through security, often above standard liquid limits when accompanied by documentation confirming medical necessity.
CPAP machines
Routinely screened through X-ray equipment without issue. A hand inspection can be requested if preferred. Read our guide on flying with sleep apnoea and a CPAP machine for more detail.
Documentation That Genuinely Helps
A device identification card
For implanted devices like pacemakers, this confirms the type of device, when it was implanted, and who to contact for details. Keep it in your wallet or passport, easily accessible, not in checked luggage.
A letter from your doctor
Particularly useful for less common devices, complex medical situations, or international travel where documentation may be requested or where language differences make verbal explanation more difficult. The letter should confirm your diagnosis, the device or equipment involved, and confirm medical necessity.
Manufacturer travel guidance
Many device manufacturers publish specific travel and security screening guidance for their products. Checking this in advance, particularly for less common devices, can clarify exactly what to expect.
What Doesn’t Need Special Handling
Worth knowing, since anxiety about airport security sometimes extends further than necessary:
- Standard metal joint replacements generally don’t require any special documentation, just expect a possible metal detector alert
- Most hearing aids can go through screening without removal
- Most medications in original packaging with a prescription label don’t require extensive explanation
Before You Travel
Check your specific device’s manufacturer guidance
Particularly important for less common devices or newer technology, since screening recommendations can be device-specific.
Prepare your documentation in advance
Have device cards and doctor’s letters ready and accessible before you reach the airport, not scrambled together at the last minute.
Allow a little extra time
If you anticipate requesting alternative screening, build in a few extra minutes at security rather than cutting it close.
FAQs
Is it safe to go through a metal detector with a pacemaker?
Generally yes, brief exposure to a standard walk-through metal detector is considered safe for most cardiac devices. You can request alternative screening if you prefer.
Do body scanners affect medical implants?
Full-body millimetre wave scanners used at most airports are generally considered safe for implanted medical devices, since they use radio waves rather than ionising radiation.
Can I request a pat-down instead of a body scanner?
Yes, this is a standard request available at most international airports, for any reason, including specific medical device concerns.
Should my insulin pump go through the X-ray scanner?
Many manufacturers advise against it. Check your specific device’s guidance and request a hand inspection instead if recommended.
What documentation should I carry through airport security?
A device identification card and, particularly for international travel or less common devices, a letter from your treating doctor confirming your diagnosis and the device or equipment involved.
Will a joint replacement set off the metal detector?
Often yes, this is completely normal and not a safety concern. A pat-down or additional screening typically resolves it quickly without requiring documentation.
Final Thoughts
Airport security with a medical device or implant is generally far more straightforward than people expect. Modern screening technology is designed to be safe for most implanted devices, and requesting alternative screening is a normal, well-understood process available at any major airport. The details that matter most are knowing your specific device’s guidance in advance, carrying appropriate documentation, and making any screening preference known before the process begins rather than after.
A note on what this is: This is practical travel guidance, not medical advice. Check with your device manufacturer or treating doctor for guidance specific to your device.
For more on travelling with specific medical devices, read our guides on flying with a pacemaker or ICD and travelling with diabetes.
