If you have been following my journeys you will know that I have been flying with a heart condition and a dual pacemaker Defibrillator (ICD) for nearly 6 years now. As a travel blogger and content creator, I have experienced different types of airport security and airlines with my device insertion.
One of the main questions I get asked is, how do I fly with a pacemaker defibrillator and how do I go through airport security?
Tips for Travel with Pacemaker Defibrillator
Flying and travelling with a Pacemaker Defibrillator, especially for the first time can make you feel anxious and overwhelmed. Here are my tips for going through airport security & flying with a Pacemaker Defibrillator. Hopefully, these travel tips and suggestions are a good resource to help streamline the process when going through airports in any country.
Pacemaker or Defibrillator (ICD) identification card
Have your Pacemaker or Defibrillator (ICD) identification card and passport ready before you go through security. The ID card may also be known as a Medical Device ID Card, depending on the country you are from. It is the proof to show the airport security officials that you have an implanted device.
When you are in security getting out your laptops, liquids let etc, please them know then that you have a pacemaker. They will usually check your ID card and passport to see if this insertion is correct. Sometimes they don’t check the passport, just the ID Card so don’t be worried. I keep my Medical IDs in a Clear Pencil Case, it’s easy to see and keeps everything in one place.
If you don’t have one, ask your pacemaker clinic for a copy of the hospital where you got your implant. Read more about your identification card on my Travelling with a Pacemaker Post.
My Boston Scientific Defibrillator Pacemaker ID & medication cards
Pacemaker Airport Security Scanners
Once your medical ID card is shown, follow the airport security staff’s directions on what to do next. Depending on the country, the staff will most likely do one of the following:
- Bypass the scanners before being asked to do a hand-pat search from a same-sex security staff member. You can request for this to be in a private area but to be honest, you don’t need to unless it is for religious beliefs.
- Go through the security full body scanner, standing on one spot and raising your arms before they scan you. I have asked multiple times at security if it is safe and they have assured me it is. The full-body scanner is called Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT).
- Some airport security use a hand-held security wand but I have never had one used on me. I understand if it’s held over your pacemaker for too long, the wand could temporarily affect your pacemaker. Ask if it is safe for your device if they go to use one on you.
Wear a Medical Alert Necklace or Wristband
Wearing a Medical Alert Necklace or Wristband is not compulsory but can make you feel safer when flying with a Pacemaker Defibrillator. Most feature the international medical symbol caduceus, the image of a staff with two snakes. As well as your medical condition.
Mine states on the front that I have a Pacemaker ICD and I take blood thinners. On the back, I have my husband’s international number to contact in an emergency. Here is one of the medical alert ID wristbands that I wear. Otherwise, check out this range of Medical Alert ID bracelets, which vary in styles and sizes. Once you have selected one, it will ask your size and what you want engraved on it.
Outdoor Medical ID for my dual pacemaker or defibrillator (ICD)
Carry your medication in your carry-on
Carry your medication and a copy of your prescription in your carry-on on the plane. This is in case you need it and if your check-in luggage gets misplaced. A copy of the prescription is just a precaution, in case of unexpected circumstances or emergency.
I carry 10 different types of medication and take a minimum of 16 pills a day, which is a lot. I put my heart medication in a clear toiletry bag with a copy of my repeat prescription. This makes it easier to find if needed and lets a medical expert know exactly what I take.
Keep Hydrated
Take a water bottle to keep hydrated at the airport and on the plane. You can easily get dehydrated when flying, which can run the risk of increasing your heart rate and lowering your blood pressure, affecting your pacemaker Defibrillator. Though all airports don’t have refill water machines many have them to reduce waste and encourage passengers to stay hydrated.
I know Heathrow Airport has water machines just as you go through security or near the toilets depending on the terminal. I use a Hydro Flask insulated water bottle, which can be refilled at most international airports. When on a plane the flight attendant will fill it for me if I explain my heart situation.
On a budget carrier, I am not sure if they will refill your water but I always do it just before I get on a plane when I am flying out of the UK. Here is a good range of reusable water bottles big and some at reasonable prices.
Taking in the views of Taipei, the capital of Taiwan – Hydro Flask insulated water bottle
Compression stockings
Take compression stockings, especially for long-haul flights. They help reduce the risk of blood clots in your legs, known as deep vein thromboses (DVTs), when still for a long period. Clots can move through the body and cause complications with the heart.
When flying long haul do regular leg stretches and get up and walk when you can, to circulate the blood. Also, rotate your ankles when in a seated position. Here is a range of compression stockings for both women and men.
Travel Insurance for your Pacemaker Defibrillator
Carry a copy of your travel insurance for flying with your pacemaker defibrillator either a hard copy or a digital copy. Keep it somewhere easy to access, a hard copy can be put in your carry-on bag, and a digital copy can be put in a folder on your phone.
Check that your travel insurance covers your medical situation and the country you are travelling to. This should be in the terms and conditions of your policy, ring your insurer if you are unsure. l currently have annual travel insurance that covers my heart failure, pacemaker defibrillator and my unexpected hospital visit in January. It even covered my latest trip to Mt Fuji Japan hiking and my skiing trip to Verbier Switzerland.
I use a free search engine called AllClear Travel Compare. Add in your medical information, history and heart condition and then it will show your results for different insurers, a quote, and what it covers.
Skiing in Verbier, Switzerland, with my pacemaker defibrillator
Choose an aisle seat on the plane
Nothing is worse than having the window seat on the plane and having to wake the passengers when needing the restroom. Though I like having the window seat, I can’t justify sitting there anymore, especially on long-haul flights. Here are several reasons I choose an aisle seat on a plane when flying with my dual pacemaker defibrillator.
- I take Spironolactone and Dapagliflozin medication which makes me go to the restroom more regularly than others. Sometimes, I can go at least 3 or even 4 times in an hour, especially if I haven’t eaten.
- On long-haul flights, I get up regularly to stretch my legs to prevent clots. I have had a clot before but not from flying but it did have to do with my heart.
- I drink water more regularly to keep hydrated on the plane because of my heart disease. Which means I go to the toilet more often.
You might be interested in these other articles
Here are some other articles you might be interested in about travelling with a pacemaker and ICD.
- Travelling with a Pacemaker or Defibrillator (ICD) & helpful information
- 6 Helpful Tips for Hiking with a Heart Condition or Pacemaker
- Tips for Skiing with a Pacemaker or an ICD
⇒ Please feel free to head over to my Healthy Heart page, if you would like to see what travels I have done with with my pacemaker defibrillator.
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Disclaimer: All views are based on my experiences flying and airports with my Pacemaker and Defibrillator (ICD) while travelling.
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