Can I Bring External Medical Devices on a Plane?
TSA Rules for External Medical Devices on Airplanes
Carry-On Luggage
Yes, you can bring External Medical Devices in carry-on luggage, but special restrictions apply. See details below.
Checked Luggage
Yes, you can pack External Medical Devices in checked luggage, but special restrictions apply. See details below.
Inform the TSA officer if you have a bone growth stimulator, spinal stimulator, neurostimulator, port, feeding tube, insulin pump, ostomy or other medical device attached to your body and where it is located before the screening process begins. You may provide the officer with the TSA notification card or other medical documentation to describe your condition. If you cannot disconnect from the device, it may require additional screening and those in sensitive areas are subject to careful and gentle inspection. Devices containing lithium metal or lithium ion batteries must be carried in carry-on baggage.
Traveling with External Medical Devices? Make sure to also check current TSA regulations and your airline's specific policies before your flight. For international travel, review international air travel restrictions as they may differ from domestic rules.
Frequently Asked Questions About External Medical Devices
Can I bring External Medical Devices in my carry-on luggage?
Inform the TSA officer if you have a bone growth stimulator, spinal stimulator, neurostimulator, port, feeding tube, insulin pump, ostomy or other medical device attached to your body and where it is located before the screening process begins. You may provide the officer with the TSA notification card or other medical documentation to describe your condition. If you cannot disconnect from the device, it may require additional screening and those in sensitive areas are subject to careful and gentle inspection. Devices containing lithium metal or lithium ion batteries must be carried in carry-on baggage.
Can I bring External Medical Devices in my checked luggage?
Inform the TSA officer if you have a bone growth stimulator, spinal stimulator, neurostimulator, port, feeding tube, insulin pump, ostomy or other medical device attached to your body and where it is located before the screening process begins. You may provide the officer with the TSA notification card or other medical documentation to describe your condition. If you cannot disconnect from the device, it may require additional screening and those in sensitive areas are subject to careful and gentle inspection. Devices containing lithium metal or lithium ion batteries must be carried in carry-on baggage.
What are the TSA regulations for External Medical Devices?
Inform the TSA officer if you have a bone growth stimulator, spinal stimulator, neurostimulator, port, feeding tube, insulin pump, ostomy or other medical device attached to your body and where it is located before the screening process begins. You may provide the officer with the TSA notification card or other medical documentation to describe your condition. If you cannot disconnect from the device, it may require additional screening and those in sensitive areas are subject to careful and gentle inspection. Devices containing lithium metal or lithium ion batteries must be carried in carry-on baggage.
Are there any special considerations for External Medical Devices?
Medical items often have exemptions from standard TSA rules. Inform TSA officers at the security checkpoint that you have medically necessary items. Documentation from a physician is not required but may help facilitate the screening process.
Are the rules for External Medical Devices the same for international flights?
While the TSA rules apply to flights departing from or arriving in the United States, international flights may have additional restrictions based on the destination country and airline policies. Always check with your specific airline and destination country regulations for international flights involving External Medical Devices. Review our international travel guide for more details.
Do I need to declare External Medical Devices at security checkpoints?
For certain items, TSA requires travelers to declare them at security checkpoints. Even if External Medical Devices is permitted, it's always a good practice to inform TSA officers if you're carrying something unusual or that might raise questions during screening. This helps expedite the security process. Check our security screening guide for more information.
TSA Disclaimer
The information provided on this page about External Medical Devices is based on the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines. Please note that TSA officers have the final say on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint. The TSA's decision may be based on concerns about the item, how the item appears on the X-ray, or other security concerns. All items are subject to additional screening.
Regulations can change. We recommend checking the official TSA website before your trip for the most current information.