How to get through airport security on crutches?

[jlw29]

I have accepted the fact that I may still be in a boot and on crutches when we go to WDW at the end of the month. (I walked on a broken metatarsal for over a month before I couldn't take the pain and swelling anymore and got an x-ray. Knowing about the amount of walking in our Disney trip was a big factor in making me get it checked. I made it alot worse by not taking care of it when it first happened. Doctors make the worst patients!) I've only been on crutches for a week now and get it rechecked three days before we leave. I know I won't be at full strength for the trip even if I'm out of the boot and will probably need the crutches to help me get around.

Anyway, my stupid question is how does airport security handle this? I can take off the boot to put through the machine if I have to, but then I will likely need the <metal> crutches to go through the metal detector. I've traveled many times but the one time I flew in a splint, there was no metal so it wasn't an issue.

Thanks!

 

[disney david]

I have accepted the fact that I may still be in a boot and on crutches when we go to WDW at the end of the month. (I walked on a broken metatarsal for over a month before I couldn't take the pain and swelling anymore and got an x-ray. Knowing about the amount of walking in our Disney trip was a big factor in making me get it checked. I made it alot worse by not taking care of it when it first happened. Doctors make the worst patients!) I've only been on crutches for a week now and get it rechecked three days before we leave. I know I won't be at full strength for the trip even if I'm out of the boot and will probably need the crutches to help me get around.

Anyway, my stupid question is how does airport security handle this? I can take off the boot to put through the machine if I have to, but then I will likely need the <metal> crutches to go through the metal detector. I've traveled many times but the one time I flew in a splint, there was no metal so it wasn't an issue.

Thanks!

if your boot can come off and it wont affect your foot they most likely have you take it off they will have you walk through take a seat and xray your croutches and boot if you can take it off. then thy will pass their wand over you have you left your legs and check you that way. just let them know you can and are willing to take of your boot off it might take you 5 min longer but it going to be done in away you dont feel weird meaning they pull you aside give you time to take off and put back on your boot and you wont have everyone watching you.

 

[peemagg]

They will just pull you aside and hand wand you. They will probably take the crutches and send them through the x-ray after they pull you over into the special area for hand wanding. They will then probably just wipe your boot to check for explosive residue. They will then give you back your crutches. No big deal or problem.

Check out the TSA website for more info in what to expect. There is also more info in the FAQ's section at the start of the forum.

 

[WheeledTraveler]

I would really suggest that you book wheelchair assistance for when you're in the airport. Airports require large amounts of walking and it will likely be much easier for you both in terms of security and going around the airport in general if you do.

 

[bidnow5]

I have to wear a support with metal stays I tell them before I go through the metal detector then after I go through they take me a side to use the wand then into a special room to check my support it takes a few minutes but they are always nice

 

[SueM in MN]

They will just pull you aside and hand wand you. They will probably take the crutches and send them through the x-ray after they pull you over into the special area for hand wanding. They will then probably just wipe your boot to check for explosive residue. They will then give you back your crutches. No big deal or problem.

Check out the TSA website for more info in what to expect. There is also more info in the FAQ's section at the start of the forum.

Post # 15 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread has information about air travel with disabilities, including some links to the TSA website information for guests with disabilities.

I agree that using wheelchair service at the airport would probably be helpful. Call your airline to arrange it.

 

[jlw29]

Thanks for all the replies! I'm hoping not to need it, but glad it won't be that big a deal if I do.

 

[lovetoscrap]

Have you looked at maybe using a knee scooter instead of the crutches if you want to try to get around "on foot" as much as possible? It is so much easier and more comfortable-- and you have a place to sit and rest if you have to!

Make sure to allow plenty of extra time for getting through security. I usually add at least another 30 mins or so just to be safe. Depending on the size of the airport and their staffing you can sometimes have to sit and wait until they can get to you.

They will just pull you aside and hand wand you. They will probably take the crutches and send them through the x-ray after they pull you over into the special area for hand wanding. They will then probably just wipe your boot to check for explosive residue. They will then give you back your crutches. No big deal or problem.

This is exactly what I have experienced. I leave my boot on, they run my cane or crutches through, swab the boot and hand wand me. Then I go on my way.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I would agree with contacting the airline and getting wheelchair service. Technically it is free, but tipping is expected.

And I hope that you will be renting an ECV from an off-site company for while you are at WDW. Most people tend to walk 8-12 miles per day at WDW. And if you rent from off-site, they can install a crutch holder on the ECV for when you need to park it for one reason or another.