metal plates in leg,airport????

[calliemom]

Had accident Jan 1/06 and required some metal plates and pins in ankle. My question is do I require a note from my surgeon to travel as the metal might have the detectors go off at the airport???

 

[ducklite]

Your surgeon should have a card he can give you that explains you have metal pins or plates that you can hand the screeners. You'll walk through the machine, set it off, and then be hand wanded. It "shouldn't" invoke further secondary screening as long as you've got that card.

Anne

 

[SueM in MN]

Besides what ducklite wrote, here's a link to the Transportation Security Administration website page about implantable devices.

 

[alisonbestford]

I guess it may well depend on the type of metal you have in your leg whether the alarms will sound

DH has titanium plates in his head which don't tend to set off alarms - my silver bracelet (which I am virtually unable to remove, without removing half of my arm.........) on the other hand...........

I'd get a covering letter just to be on the safe side

 

[calliemom]

Thanks for the information! I will be sure to get a letter or card from my surgeon before we travel to Disney in the fall. I'm hoping that by this time my limp and other walking issues will be gone. Thanks again !

 

[thop529]

I have a metal rod and screws in my upper leg. What they will do is pat you down and wand you. I didn't have to have any type of note or card from the Doc.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I've set off the alarm once (I keep forgetting about the plate and screws ) and yes, have been wanded and patted down. No big deal, just allow extra time - maybe arrive fifteen minutes before you normally would?

 

[calliemom]

Thanks all for your help. Just to play it safe I will ask for a letter from my surgeon before we travel. Cheers!

 

[pezheadmeg]

My ankle "jewlrey" has never set off the alarm at the airport (it has set off in a couple of court houses ) I always make sure I have the statement of my "jewlrey" out as I walk through the metal detectors. I also make sure I have no other metal on that could set it off. TSA rareley even looks at the card.