Airport Security Experience with an Implant

[LaNina72]

Earlier this year (March ’12) I received a new hip. I will be flying for the first time with it at the end of November (WDW) . I am interested in hearing from others who have experiences with airport security and their "new part".

At what point do you tell the screeners? I’m concerned that I will forget to mention it and when asked if I have any “implants” not realize that I should say “YES”. (I don’t think of the replacement as an “implant”.) Would it be helpful to carry my “card”?

Any experiences that would help me be prepared would be appreciated. :

 

[kamik86]

For my mom after her knee replacement we told the person just before the scanners. They then got someone to give her a pat down instead. I didn't see this part though so can't tell you what they did as I was going through security and getting all of our things at that point.

 

[goofy4tink]

My dh had a new knee put in a few years ago..he has had no issues when flying..just walks through the scanner and off he goes.
I would just mention it to someone when you put your stuff on the conveyor belt...just to be on the safe side.

 

[rwdavis2]

You will get a pat down if it beeps the metal detector or shows up on a scanner. Don't bring doctor's notes of things like that because there is no way for TSA to authenticate it.

 

[buzzgirls&dad]

We like to call my DM bionic as she has a few new parts-knees & Hips. We travel with her all the time. She tells the TSA person just before she walks through the scanner and then she beeps. They then take her to a more private area and give her a pat down. Some are more thorough than others if you get my drift. Then she is on her way. The only thing I think you need to be aware of is that when they move her to the private area all of her stuff is left on the xray belt for anyone to take. Of course we collect it up for her but if you were traveling alone it may be a problem.

 

[LaNina72]

My dh had a new knee put in a few years ago..he has had no issues when flying..just walks through the scanner and off he goes. I would just mention it to someone when you put your stuff on the conveyor belt...just to be on the safe side.

Goofy4tink am I understanding correctly that the scanner doesn’t pick up your DH's knee replacement? Huh, my surgeon did say that some replacements are not picked-up by the airport scanner, but I thought he was joking.

You will get a pat down if it beeps the metal detector or shows up on a scanner. Don't bring doctor's notes of things like that because there is no way for TSA to authenticate it.

I actually have an “ID-type card” stating I had a hip replacement. I carry it with me, but like you said there is really no way to validate. Rwdavis2 sounds like you, too, are saying the scanner might not pick up my implant?

For my mom after her knee replacement we told the person just before the scanners. They then got someone to give her a pat down instead. I didn't see this part though so can't tell you what they did as I was going through security and getting all of our things at that point.

We like to call my DM bionic as she has a few new parts-knees & Hips. We travel with her all the time. She tells the TSA person just before she walks through the scanner and then she beeps. They then take her to a more private area and give her a pat down. Some are more thorough than others if you get my drift. Then she is on her way. The only thing I think you need to be aware of is that when they move her to the private area all of her stuff is left on the xray belt for anyone to take. Of course we collect it up for her but if you were traveling alone it may be a problem.

I have no problem with a pat-down, that is fine. But I did not think about my personal belongings going through the scanner and sitting there while I’m getting “serviced”. Not sure how I’ll deal with that as I am flying solo (meeting DM & DB at MCO). Maybe since Albany, NY is a smaller airport I won’t be moved too far from my belongings.

Also, I’m guessing no challenges with the change in altitude? I’m suffering now with what feels like a huge “tooth-ache” in my hip. My surgeon says it is due to new bone growth and the weather and will lessen over time. But I wonder has anyone had issues with the cabin pressure? Maybe I should just bring a "mother's little helper".

 

[dsneprincess]

This happens to my parents too. DD has pacemaker/defibrillator & not suppose to use scanners. (TSA ALWAYS tries to force the issue & argues safe, so he keeps refusing) DM has knee implant. Since the last time they flew out, all their wallets, ids as well as belongings were left out in the open at rush hour in the security line, DM nows sucks it up & goes through scanner. She hasn't set it off yet! Which doesn't mean that TSA shouldn't rectify this situation for the travelling public! They REALLY need a better system & should follow their own guidelines & rules better, but that is a topic for another day! Good luck with your bionic parts & belongings! Safe travels

 

[kaytieeldr]

http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/metal-implants
"If a passenger has metal implants, such as artificial knees or hips, he or she should inform a Transportation Security Officer (TSO) before screening begins. Passengers can use TSAs Notification Card to communicate discreetly with security officers. However, showing this card or other medical documentation will not exempt a passenger from additional screening.

Many passengers with metal implants that regularly alarm a metal detector prefer to be screened by imaging technology in order to reduce the likelihood of a patdown being necessary. A passenger can request to be screened by imaging technology if it is in use and available at the checkpoint.

If a passenger cannot or chooses not to be screened by imaging technology or the passenger alarms a walk-through metal detector, the passenger will be screened using a thorough patdown procedure."

http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/internal-medical-devices
"If a passenger has an internal medical device, such as a pacemaker or a defibrillator, it is important for him or her to inform the officer conducting his or her screening before the screening process begins. Passengers can use TSAs Notification Card to communicate discreetly with security officers. However, showing this card or other medical documentation will not exempt a passenger from additional screening when necessary.

Passengers who have internal medical devices should not be screened by a metal detector and should instead request to be screened by imaging technology or a patdown. While TSA has no evidence that screening by imaging technology will affect such devices, passengers with concerns should contact their physicians."

Link to the aforementioned card http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/notification-card

Really, TSA.gov is the best source for this type of information.

 

[nanalisa]

I had a hip replacement so I tell them before I through the detector. I always set it off and I know I will be put through the scanner. The first time I flew after surgery, I showed them my "I had a hip replacement" card and they laughed and told me anyone could get one of those cards, so I threw it away.

 

[Firepath]

My husband had a knee replacement and always sets off the metal detector. He even sets off some super sensitive store alarms when going IN! So we are used to the routine going through security. Whoever travels with him goes through first. He makes sure all his stuff goes through on the conveyer before entering the detector himself. Then the first person can collect all his stuff. He doesn't bother telling them about his knee until after he goes through, they don't seem to care until the alarm goes off. They usually wisk him away to a glass booth (we call it the cage) for a more thorough exam. He then tells them about the knee so they can concentrate on that and it gets him through a bit quicker. As others have posted, a card or doctors note will not even be looked at. I have noticed over the past few years, most airports have perfected the process as I'm sure they see many of these every day. Just know what to expect and you'll be fine. Have a great trip!

 

[dzorn]

My sister has both hip replacemented as well as a knee at MCO they sent her directly to the scanner line not just the metal detector when we told the person checking ID.

Denise in MI

 

[johnsgrl]

FWIW, If you are not going to be screened in view of your stuff on the x-ray belt, you can ask to have a screener collect your items and have them brought to where you can keep an eye on them during the screening, you just can't touch them till you're cleared

 

[LaNina72]

Thanks so much for all the information on what to expect when going through security. It is really helpful. I heard from several folks that the "card" means nothing. If they need proof I have a lovely reminder that will be picked up by the scanner.

FWIW, If you are not going to be screened in view of your stuff on the x-ray belt, you can ask to have a screener collect your items and have them brought to where you can keep an eye on them during the screening, you just can't touch them till you're cleared

Thanks Johnsgrl, I think Albany has the full body scanner option, which is next to the x-ray belt. I will be solo then, and ask to have the screener collect my stuff, just to not cause a "log-jam". At MCO I will be going through security with my DM & DB so they can help there.

I just hope at the butt crack of dawn I don't forget to let them know in Albany...