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Humiliation at Manchester airport

C

Catherinegf

Member
Messages
18
Location
south west
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
I’ve had 2 horrible experiences with security at Manchester airport. Both trips I have explained I have a diabetic sensor and can’t use the scanners. The first time the border guard was abusive and rude. Told me I couldn’t use diabetes as an excuse. I wasn’t sure what excuse I was using it for! The second time they patted me down in front of everyone and refused to let me through without using an X-ray scanner. I spoke to the manufacturer of the sensor and they told me it’s now potentially damaged and I should replace it immediately. Both incidents were humiliating. Both times another traveller came and asked it f I was ok and expressed their disgust at how I was treated. Avoid this airport.
 
I empathise with you. I had a similar experience at Bristol Airport. I use the Omnipod Dash which cannot go though the scanner. I explained this. They then frisked me and swabbed my Omnipod Dash. They then marched me across the concourse to a small room by 2 members of staff, minus my shoes. They examined my pod and swabbed that as well. After this I was told that by a member of staff who had a smirk on his face that I had liquids in my bag which I did not. When I went to open my bag I was told not touch it. The member of staff then opened my bag but did not actually look inside. They then said I could go.

Like you I was left feeling humiliated
 
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I've been to MAN Airport, several times in the last 12 months (T1 & T3) and in years gone by (mainly T1).
Never had any issues. I have a sensor (Libre 2). We can use the 'walk-in-scanner' with these attached to your arm, without it affecting the scanner (was informed by Free Style its fine) and since the scanner worked fine afterward, so I can confirm scanners are no issues.

What is an issue, is having a 'spare' sensor in my carry-on. These cannot go via the x-ray machine!!
This machines work differently to the walk-in-scanners.

First time, I wasn't aware, and when I changed sensor a few days later, yes it worked, but got (alot) more unable to scan readings.
When I checked with FreeStyle, they said simply to inform the security person at the airport.

Few weeks later, I was again at MAN Airport. I was ready for telling security not to place the spare sensor in the xray machine. But before I did, one of them came over to me, and said, "That cant go in the x-ray machine, I'll take it over there, do a swop and give it you back on the other side".
The following time, I did have to say something to the security personal, but they simply agreed, and didn't x-ray it and took it for a swop.

So I for one, have never had an issue with the MAN Airport (touch wood). I do however have one of those Lanyards, and go via the assisted area, not sure if they are simply better trained compared to the 'standard' security area.

As for your experience, as the others have said COMPLAIN.
 
Hello @Catherinegf

How awful - airports are stressful enough without being treated so badly - my BG levels always go high when travelling and then crash on the plane when i've calmed down, you do need to write a letter of complaint, their behaviour is unacceptable, we don't want special treatment, just to be able to travel without discrimination or being treated poorly, it's a basic human right.
 
h884 said:
I empathise with you. I had a similar experience at Bristol Airport. I use the Omnipod Dash which cannot go though the scanner. I explained this. They then frisked me and swabbed my Omnipod Dash. They then marched me across the concourse to a small room by 2 members of staff, minus my shoes. They examined my pod and swabbed that as well. After this I was told that by a member of staff who had a smirk on his face that I had liquids in my bag which I did not. When I went to open my bag I was told not touch it. The member of staff then opened my bag but did not actually look inside. They then said I could go.

Like you I was left feeling humiliated
Click to expand...
Its all a bit too Starsky and Hutch for my liking, they should know the protocols but I think they get off on causing more stress.
 
I think it’s generally ok to pass the sensor through the scanner.

I’ve never really had problems.
 
I have a lot of experience of travelling with sensors and pumps. Most of the time, the airport security are fine.
On one occasion at Heathrow, it was not. The security woman was not happy that I was unable to go through the full body x-ray and rather than swiping me in situ,m she marched me across the concourse into a separate room allowing no time to put my shoes on or repack my bag and offering to assistance to carry the two boxes and my bag. When I expressed my dissatisfaction, she told me it was because I chose to have diabetes!

I complained to Heathrow security management who replied saying they would ensure all their staff are trained. My experience was a few years before covid. Whilst I cannot confirm the training was undertaken, I have had no trouble since.

Bristol is my nearest airport and apart from one security guy trying to convince me their wife takes their pump through x-ray scanners, they have been fine with me for tens of flights.

Even when I have had sub-optimal experience, I chose to complain later and be compliant at the time. They have too much power and I don't want to miss my flight. But I don't let them get away with it - I make a mental note of their name badge.
 
h884 said:
I empathise with you. I had a similar experience at Bristol Airport. I use the Omnipod Dash which cannot go though the scanner. I explained this. They then frisked me and swabbed my Omnipod Dash. They then marched me across the concourse to a small room by 2 members of staff, minus my shoes. They examined my pod and swabbed that as well. After this I was told that by a member of staff who had a smirk on his face that I had liquids in my bag which I did not. When I went to open my bag I was told not touch it. The member of staff then opened my bag but did not actually look inside. They then said I could go.

Like you I was left feeling humiliated
Click to expand...
Sorry the notifications don't get to me. It's very humiliating. I'm sorry you've experienced the same. I fly all the time and Manchester is by far the most horrendous. I now carry a letter from my endo explaining I can't go through the sensors.
 
In Response said:
I have a lot of experience of travelling with sensors and pumps. Most of the time, the airport security are fine.
On one occasion at Heathrow, it was not. The security woman was not happy that I was unable to go through the full body x-ray and rather than swiping me in situ,m she marched me across the concourse into a separate room allowing no time to put my shoes on or repack my bag and offering to assistance to carry the two boxes and my bag. When I expressed my dissatisfaction, she told me it was because I chose to have diabetes!

I complained to Heathrow security management who replied saying they would ensure all their staff are trained. My experience was a few years before covid. Whilst I cannot confirm the training was undertaken, I have had no trouble since.

Bristol is my nearest airport and apart from one security guy trying to convince me their wife takes their pump through x-ray scanners, they have been fine with me for tens of flights.

Even when I have had sub-optimal experience, I chose to complain later and be compliant at the time. They have too much power and I don't want to miss my flight. But I don't let them get away with it - I make a mental note of their name badge.
Click to expand...
Every time I've had a problem the staff has tried to tell me their mother has diabetes and so they know all about it. They are obviously lying!
 
johnstoc said:
I've been to MAN Airport, several times in the last 12 months (T1 & T3) and in years gone by (mainly T1).
Never had any issues. I have a sensor (Libre 2). We can use the 'walk-in-scanner' with these attached to your arm, without it affecting the scanner (was informed by Free Style its fine) and since the scanner worked fine afterward, so I can confirm scanners are no issues.

What is an issue, is having a 'spare' sensor in my carry-on. These cannot go via the x-ray machine!!
This machines work differently to the walk-in-scanners.

First time, I wasn't aware, and when I changed sensor a few days later, yes it worked, but got (alot) more unable to scan readings.
When I checked with FreeStyle, they said simply to inform the security person at the airport.

Few weeks later, I was again at MAN Airport. I was ready for telling security not to place the spare sensor in the xray machine. But before I did, one of them came over to me, and said, "That cant go in the x-ray machine, I'll take it over there, do a swop and give it you back on the other side".
The following time, I did have to say something to the security personal, but they simply agreed, and didn't x-ray it and took it for a swop.

So I for one, have never had an issue with the MAN Airport (touch wood). I do however have one of those Lanyards, and go via the assisted area, not sure if they are simply better trained compared to the 'standard' security area.

As for your experience, as the others have said COMPLAIN.
Click to expand...
I didn't know about the xray machines!!! I'll take mine in my hand when I fly on Friday. So much to think about. I'm going for a month so I am carrying 4 spare sensors with me.
 
Catherinegf said:
Every time I've had a problem the staff has tried to tell me their mother has diabetes and so they know all about it. They are obviously lying!
Click to expand...
Maybe. Maybe not.
I just read that 6% of people in the UK have diabetes.
To put that in context, 11% have diabetes in USA and 31% have diabetes in Pakistan ... according to one article I read.
 
In Response said:
Maybe. Maybe not.
I just read that 6% of people in the UK have diabetes.
To put that in context, 11% have diabetes in USA and 31% have diabetes in Pakistan ... according to one article I read.
Click to expand...
T1 diabetics are 1 in 200, or 0.5%. You're right, T2's are increasing in number. Unfortunately lifestyle and diet is a huge challenge in modern society. You'd expect someone with a family member as a diabetic would be more considerate.
 
I had no idea we couldn’t go through airport scanners. My DSN didn’t tell me and don’t think it’s in the manual, unless I missed it!

I’ve got an Omnipod Dash and Libre 2. Been through airport scanners a couple of times without it breaking. What’s the risk?
 
I didn’t realise sensors/scanners were affected by airport X-ray machines. I thought they were like mobile phones and would be ok. I often travel hand luggage only, and on my next trip was planning on taking a spare Libre 2 sensor with me. Although I’m not sure that putting in hold luggage is any better because at my local airport they X-ray that as well.

Your experience @Catherinegf at Manchester is unfortunately not uncommon. One tearful lady was stopped by our local airport security who then embarked on an intrusive public examination of her colostomy bag! Outrageous treatment and really, what were they thinking?

Can I suggest you write a formal letter of complaint to the airport , setting out the details & copy it to the local media? If you don’t get an immediate apology plus an explanation, get in touch with the Disability Advice Service.
 
Been through probably 6 times with my libre., without declaring. No problems. Wasn't aware that you need to declare it.
 
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