orthopedic braces and airport

[nckidwell]

My DS4 had an anyeurism/brain surgery last fall and was left with left side weakness. He wears an orthopedic brace to walk on his left foot. Does anyone have experience with going through security at the airport with one of these. Do we need to take it off just prior to the security checkpoint or will they allow him to keep it on. I know some people will be very angry with us if he has to take it off because it takes a while to get it on and off. We leave Sunday (5/14) and any info will be appreciated. THanks!

 

[videogal1]

My DS4 had an anyeurism/brain surgery last fall and was left with left side weakness. He wears an orthopedic brace to walk on his left foot. Does anyone have experience with going through security at the airport with one of these. Do we need to take it off just prior to the security checkpoint or will they allow him to keep it on. I know some people will be very angry with us if he has to take it off because it takes a while to get it on and off. We leave Sunday (5/14) and any info will be appreciated. THanks!

I wear one on my left leg, too, and just have them do a swab test of my shoes. They're just testing for explosive residue, or the components of explosives, and do not really have to have your shoes removed to do the test. They may ask you to pick him up so they can swab the bottom of his shoe...Just tell them he has a brace on and it's difficult to get on and off. They will feel for it to verify and should then do the swab test... If they happen to be hardnosed jerks, ask for a private room for him to remove the brace...More than likely they will just do the swab test then in order to keep the line moving...

 

[laginog001]

Hi! I wear braces on both legs. Whn I go through security, I just tell them before I go through the "X-ray" gate, that I have braces. They just tell me to come on through and send me over to the side where they screen everybody. At that point, they've ALWAYS swabbed both of my braces, both of my shoes, and both of my hands. Then, they always do a "pat down" of my upper body and waist area too. Maybe all airports don't do it this way but....my home airport (Peoria) and all of the airports (several!!) that I've flown back from have!! I did have to take them off one time to have them X-Rayed but....that was many years ago.

 

[nckidwell]

Thank you very much for your responses. This makes me feel better. We haven't flown since 2003 and at that time we both (DH & I) had to remove our shoes. I think they made everyone at that time, so I was concerned. Thanks again! It's back to packing for me 2 more days!!!

 

[vhoffman]

Please don't worry about it. I wear a removable back brace and have never been asked to remove it. I've also gone through with foot casts and not been asked to remove it. Just do remember to allow plenty of extra time--I usually get inside the airport with about 2-2.5 hours prior to departure. Why are you worried that others might become irritated if your process takes some extra time? Actually, any extra procedures for you would take place off to one side, allowing the line to proceed. Also, you're not the one initiating the procedures, you're just complying with the rules. You won't hold anyone up or delay any lines, and if so, that's simply not your problem. Everyone traveling is responsible for getting themselves to the airport with enough time to board. We all know security is a way of life at airports now and need to adjust our traveling habits accordingly. If other passengers get irritated with you because they haven't allowed enough time, tough! Maybe they'll learn the next time! I've always found the TSA screeners to be polite and professional. Horror stories of TSA procedures have been blown way out of proportion. Relax and enjoy your trip with your little one!

 

[SueM in MN]

I've always found the TSA screeners to be polite and professional. Horror stories of TSA procedures have been blown way out of proportion. Relax and enjoy your trip with your little one!

That's been our experience too. My youngest DD has been having extra screenings since she got her first wheelchair at about 30 months old. There is a set up for doing the extra screenings so that the line continues to go thru even though you might be stopped for extra screening.
We have also found that if the screeners want DD to do something and we just explain that she is not capable of doing that, they can still manage to do their jobs without that part. Usually they wand her, pat her down, have her lean forward in her wheelchair and then swab her shoes and they might swab parts of her wheelchair.