Comments on: Leavin’ On a Jet Plane

By: Elizabeth Zabell

Elizabeth Zabell — Fri, 04 Aug 2006 13:02:15 +0000

Amy I hope that you all have a wonderful vacation!

By: Eric Jensen

Eric Jensen — Fri, 04 Aug 2006 01:17:54 +0000

Hi Amy,

For what it’s worth, I had no problems going through airport security with my Dexcom transmitter attached (receiver went through the x-ray machine, of course), and it worked fine on the plane.

When the flight attendants issued the standard “Please turn off all electronic equipment – anything with an on-off switch” I thought, “no on-off switch, I’m not going to worry about it”. And it was fine.

Realistically, the power is *so* low, even compared to a cell phone. Given that the receiver can’t detect the signal from the transmitter from more than 5 feet away, I don’t think there’s any worry about interference. I’m not an engineer, but that’s my reading of the situation. That said, I suspect the best strategy is “don’t ask, don’t tell.”

Have a great trip!

By: AmyT

AmyT — Thu, 03 Aug 2006 23:55:11 +0000

Hi Runehawk,
Thanks for the well-wishes. Please note that the DexCom is not an insulin pump, but rather a (new and somewhat quirky) continuous glucose monitor.

See my category called “DexCom and Me” for details.

By: Runehawk

Runehawk — Thu, 03 Aug 2006 20:09:03 +0000

“Hmm, what will my DexCom do at 30,000 feet?”

Okay, I’ll take a guess: pump insulin?

Have a great trip! -r

By: Kerri.

Kerri. — Thu, 03 Aug 2006 18:44:19 +0000

Have a fantastic trip, Amy!

By: Fard Johnmar

Fard Johnmar — Thu, 03 Aug 2006 16:03:42 +0000

Have a great trip Amy!

By: Val

Val — Thu, 03 Aug 2006 14:58:58 +0000

I know with the other continous monitor study we were instructed to remove the transmitter during plane flights – I imagine DexCom is the same way. It’s a radio transmitter, so they worry about possible interference on the flight.

Enjoy your trip!