Having a pacemaker, ICD, or loop recorder shouldn’t keep you home. A little preparation makes travel smooth.
Carry your device ID card
Always travel with your device identification card. It tells security staff and any doctor you might see what device you have, who made it, and its settings. Keep it in your wallet or with your passport.
Airport security
Modern security equipment is safe for heart devices, but a couple of habits help:
- Walk through the metal detector or body scanner at a normal pace — don’t stop or linger inside it.
- The detector may alarm because of the metal in your device. That’s expected; allow a few extra minutes.
- You can simply show your device card and request a hand search (pat-down) instead if you prefer.
- If a screener uses a handheld wand, ask them not to hold it directly over your device — a quick pass is fine, lingering is not.
Flying
Air travel itself is not a problem. Cabin pressure, the aircraft’s electronics, and altitude don’t affect your device. If you’ve recently had an implant or procedure, just confirm with us that you’re cleared to fly.
Your remote monitor on the road
If your device transmits to us through a bedside monitor or phone app, you don’t have to leave that behind:
- Many bedside monitors work while traveling — ask us before you go.
- If you use the phone app, keep it installed and your phone charged.
- For long or international trips, ask whether your monitor will connect where you’re headed.
See Remote Monitoring of Your Device for how that system works.
Before a longer trip
- Bring enough medication for the whole trip (plus a few extra days) in your carry-on, in original bottles.
- Carry a short list of your medications and your device details.
- For extended travel, look up where you’d go for cardiac care at your destination.
- If anything feels off before you leave, check in with us first.
For the complete picture of life with your device, see your printable device handbooks.