nervous about the airport...

[jclark5735]

well, we have a plan addressing her leg boot (can't remember the name but it's an ankle brace that looks like a victorian boot and laces up a ton!)--she'll take it off when we get to the airport and use a wheelchair. After going through security, she'll put it back on. And I know to allow extra time going through security, but my dd19 brought up the issue of the metal in Gram's back. She has titanium rods in her back. Is there anything special that I need to do?

 

[amykathleen2005]

Regarding grandma: Most new detectors will not go off for implants. But some might. She'll just get a pat down to confirm that she doesn't have anything dangerous and go on her way.

You may bring a doctor's note to confirm but I think it will be fine without.

 

[Phil'sFrontier]

Make sure to mention to the security officer to be gentle if they insist on frisking grandma's spine.

 

[disney david]

Just let the agents know thy will have to pat her down because the metal detectors will go off and the other machine will go off and alert them. If they do the pat she has the right to do it in a private room and have someone with her you just won't be able to goin her unless you want to get rescreened. Even though I a private room they do tape it for you and tea protection. You also have the right to have a supervisor come over and explain the process of her screening. Just remember names of the agents just in case most likely you won't need them but just in case. Lastly please relax have fun don't worry about it it be done in 5 min and you be on your way.

 

[disney david]

here a link where you can call before getting to the airport to have any question you like answered about this.

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/disabilityandmedicalneeds/tsa_cares.shtm

 

[disneyjunebug]

My mom (85 and uses a walker) has a little mesh implant to help her bladder and it set off the metal detectors the last time we traveled. She told the TSA agent, and they had a nice lady come and wand my mother, no problems.

I always have gotten wanded for the past 16 years because I usually have a brace on somewhere. When I had implants in my tibia and femur, they didn't set off the detectors, but they tell me my new ankle replacement implant will and I'm supposed to get a card when I go back to the doctor in a few weeks.

I just always plan extra time and patience. And packing a smile helps too -- my cousin is a TSA agent and he says if the traveler is nice, it makes an easy job go fast!

 

[jclark5735]

thanks guys. I knew you'd have good answers and support for me.

 

[akcire]

I get a pat down every time I fly, I never go in the machines. I try and keep the most amount of skin exposed I can....meaning the least amount of parts being patted down. Now before any of you think I am walking the halls of the airport in a bikini

I wear short sleves and jeans most flights or shorts if weather permits. Even if it is cold I will layer a short sleve cotton shirt under a sweatshirt so I can be patted down faster.

As for your Gram's boot or wheelchair, both can be accomodated by the TSA. The leg can be wanded while in the boot. Or she can roll through security in a chair and get a pat down.

If she is giong to get a pat down I STRONGLY suggest she wear pants and not a skirt.