Extra TSA screening for child with cast?

[CapnJacksGirl]

My son has a cast on his arm from his hand to up over his elbow. Should I expect at least an extra wand check on the cast when we pass through security? I'm guessing yes. Just want to be prepared so I can tell him they will likely check it.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

More than likely they will swab the cast to check for drugs as well as his hands. they take a stick with a last swab on in. Run it quickly of the cast and hands and they stick it in a machine. Takes all of 2-3 minutes to do. Coming home the MCO airport only swabbed the cast and not my hands. I had one on last year and that is what they did.

 

[DebbieB]

More than likely they will swab the cast to check for drugs as well as his hands. they take a stick with a last swab on in. Run it quickly of the cast and hands and they stick it in a machine. Takes all of 2-3 minutes to do. Coming home the MCO airport only swabbed the cast and not my hands. I had one on last year and that is what they did.

TSA does not check for drugs, they swab for explosives.

 

[LadyBeBop]

TSA does not check for drugs, they swab for explosives.

I was going to mention that.

However, by your signature, it looks like you're going on a cruise. I'm assuming you'll have to pass through customs once you get back to the states.

I'm wondering; would there be any extra examination of the cast at customs?

 

[CPT Tripss]

Security checks for cruise ships are done by the cruise line, not TSA. They are most likely to wand only if there is an alarm on the WTMD.
Typically, US customs on return is cursory and just collecting the cards. A swab for drugs on a child would be very rare.

 

[MaleficentRN]

http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/casts-braces-support-appliances

 

[LadyBeBop]

Security checks for cruise ships are done by the cruise line, not TSA. They are most likely to wand only if there is an alarm on the WTMD.
Typically, US customs on return is cursory and just collecting the cards. A swab for drugs on a child would be very rare.

Thanks. I'm assuming might they think a cast could be a place-holder for contraband (e.g. drugs, not terrorist related).

 

[CapnJacksGirl]

Thanks for the info everyone! I'm pretty much expecting an extra short minute or two. I can't imagine it would be a big deal with a child all dressed in Disney gear and carrying a Mickey Mouse!