flying with metal plate in your head---please help!

[jcat2312]

My wonderful mother has a metal plate in her head. Should she get a note from her doctor for our trip? Would that save time going through security? We are fying American Airlines.

Thanks!

47 days left!!!!!!!

 

[Jcricket Fan]

I copied this for you from the TSA web site I hope it helps:
Happy travels!
Colleen
**********************************************************

Travelers & Consumers Printable Version
Persons with Disabilities & Medical Conditions

Pacemaker, Defibrillator, Other Implanted Medical Devices, and Metal Implants

If you have implanted medical device, that you would like to remain private and confidential, ask the screener to please be discreet when assisting you through the screening process.
It is recommended (but not required) that individuals with a pacemaker carry a Pacemaker Identification Card (ID) when going through airport security. Show the screener your pacemaker ID, if you have one, and ask the screener to conduct a pat-down inspection rather than having you walk-through the metal detector or be handwanded.
It is recommended (but not required) that you advise the screener that you have an implanted pacemaker, other implanted medical device, or metal implant and where that implant is located.
Screener will offer you a private screening once it becomes known that you have a metal implant or implanted medical device.
If your Doctor has indicated that you should not go through the metal detector or be handwanded because it could affect the functionality of your device or the magnetic calibration of your device, or if you are concerned, ask the screener for a pat-down inspection instead.
Screeners will need to resolve all alarms associated with metal implants. Most alarms will be able to be resolved during a pat-down, therefore clothing will not be required to be removed or lifted as part of the inspection process.

 

[puggymom]

I have a titanium plate and several pins in my right foot and I don't set the alarms off.

 

[DVC-Don]

I have a bunch of metal holding my right foot together and that has never set anything off.

 

[winniedapooh]

I have numerous screws in both legs and will be getting a few more Monday ...that being said, I have never set off an alarm at an airport.

 

[seashoreCM]

It is my belief that you should tell the screener at the metal detector that you have metal implants and tell where they are before walking through.

Unfortunately the screener may want to see that the metal is not outside of you and that may mean you have to undress.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[Chuck-PA]

I have a titanium rod in the right leg. I set the alarm off every time. I believe it depends on how high they have the machine set for sensitivity.

I always tell them before hand so that there are no surprises.
After I go through they pull me to the side and do a wand search.

It is no big deal, but the first time I was really nervous, the TSA's took me aside and did the wand search, I thought I wasn't going to be able to go. The other passengers are watching me. But they thanked me and sent me on.

My wife and son were getting our carry on searched (medical equipment) and could not come near me.

 

[Gooofy-Blade]

I've got a titanium plate in my neck and fly all the time with NEVER a problem. I'm sure titanium is what she has as well. Regardless, it won't be an issue.

 

[CarolA]

Titianium is a metal and will set it off. However, a LOT depends. For example, it appears from what I have read if the metal is in a place on your body where it is covered by muscle, skin, fat etc it may not set the system off. Also, regardless of what the TSA says they do have levels on those scanners. My personal rule is the smaller the airport, the more sensitive they set them.

If you do set it off, just tell the screener about your plate. It will be pretty easy to verify by running the wand over it!