I am a type 1 diabetic. I did my first trip abroad with the Omnipod 5 and Dexcom—both essential pieces of kit to control my diabetes. There are limitations to these devices, and they cannot go through the scanner machine. Returning home from Spain, I was shouted at to put all of my medical kit (which can’t go in the hold) through the scanner. Despite having a letter from my diabetes nurse explaining my kit, airport staff did not listen and were discriminatory and disrespectful towards my circumstances. I then started to think , there are 1000’s of passengers that travel each day , and it’s not just diabetes that may require special measures at airport security. 

This experience is not unique; many travelers with medical conditions face similar challenges at airport security checkpoints. A dedicated medical lane would ensure that individuals with essential medical equipment receive respectful and appropriate treatment without compromising their health or dignity from staff that have an understanding of the persons needs and managing their security protocol in relevant ways to support the individual and their needs whilst maintaining safety and security.

Please sign this petition to urge airports worldwide to implement a dedicated medical lane for travelers with special health needs.