RA, Leg Braces and Airports - Help?

[aGoofyMom]

Ok, I have booked a trip for my DSis & I, no kids, at the end of January. It has been so long since we vacationed together I forgot a few things. (She is in bed with the flu today so I get to ask).

DSis has RA, since age 2. She has leg braces which have increased her mobility and freedom. (12 years ago we went to the local zoo & she was in a w/c for it. This year she walked it!) The braces are on both legs, from her toes, along the bottom of her feet, and up the back of her legs to her knees. They are a hard white plastic with velcro straps and metal findings.

Will she have to take these off for security? She does not require assistance for anything else, but a need to take the braces off may require a chair and extra patience for those around us.

If she will need to take these off for security can we use the assistance needed line?

Thanks

 

[Melissa_E]

If she will need to take these off for security can we use the assistance needed line?

Thanks

No, she won't have to take them off for security and she has a legal right to keep them on if they do ask her. I've gone through security with a metal leg brace on after my ACL surgery. She will go through extra security though. A female security officer will pat her down and swab the brace. It will only take a few minutes more than people who go through security without problems.

Plan for an extra 10 minutes at the worst case scenario.

 

[Melissa_E]

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/editorial_1371.shtm

This should help.

 

[dismiss]

It would be helpful if your DSis wears a long skirt or pants that can be easily rolled up so they can swab the brace easily.
Have a great flight and a fun time!!

 

[aGoofyMom]

Thanks all. I figured if I knew what to expect before getting there, then it wouldn't be difficult at all.
This trip is going to be most excellent! I think she will be more mobile than our mid 90's trip. Discovery Cove, Pirates & Princess Whoo hoo

Ahoy mateys!

 

[Piper]

I wear braces and have had no problems. There is usually a special line for people with disabilities. Loose fitting clothes are very helpful. They will swab the braces and your shoes, but they have never gotten really invasive with me. I usually try to be very compliant and keep a cheerful attitude.

 

[DisneyWheeler]

I've had to take mine off (I have osteoarthritis) a few times, and they would run it through the x-ray machine, along with my shoes. The screener would then assist me in walking through the pat-down area, or give me one of their canes that they have. I've prayed several times to not let myself fall during these times.

Most times, I was able to keep it on after my mom helped me explain to them that I couldn't walk without my brace, and they'd do a swab of my shoes with the brace on.

Samantha

 

[SueM in MN]

I've had to take mine off (I have osteoarthritis) a few times, and they would run it through the x-ray machine, along with my shoes. The screener would then assist me in walking through the pat-down area, or give me one of their canes that they have. I've prayed several times to not let myself fall during these times.

Most times, I was able to keep it on after my mom helped me explain to them that I couldn't walk without my brace, and they'd do a swab of my shoes with the brace on.

Samantha

Legally, they can't make you take them off.
If someone is worried about it, I would suggest politely asking for a manager. I'd also suggest printing out the page that Melissa_E posted a linnk to so that you have the information handy.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

I don't wear braces myself, but I don't think there should be any problems with her keeping them on; as has been said already, she has a legal right to keep them on! Normally authorities are very understanding about this sort of thing, but may ask if she 'can' take them off, as it would save them a bit of time. If they do ask, encourage her to be firm but polite when she says 'no'. Occasionally you have to say 'no' a couple of times before they believe you (this isn't from experience with airport staff, just people in general).

I have been through airport screening in my wheelchair (even when I offered to hobble through a couple of times), and they've all been great about it. They will normally ask if you have any tender areas, then they will give you a gentle pat down and swab the chair / braces etc. If there are any pockets in the chair, they'll check them too.

I would suggest she seriously considers using a chair around Disney, and probably around the airport too. Though she may be physically able to walk through the parks, there's no sense in being exhausted and in agony at the end of the day, if she can avoid that with a chair (obviously, I'm assuming that that is the state she would be in, as I don't know her, I can't know for sure). This is just me talking from my own experience and point of view (I have no other!), she needs to do what is best for her. If she does use a chair, she doesn't have to use it the whole time; it can be left in the stroller parking.

Anyway, that went rather off topic, but never mind. Have a great trip together!

 

[aGoofyMom]

I have printed off the info from the link and will take it with us. I have only had trouble in security once in the past couple of trips and that was just due to rude security officer. He snatched my DD's stuffed animal from her from across a table while I was calmly asking her to give it up. That was leaving MCO. When DD did so well, even though she was nervous this time, I wound up mentioning to another officer this time as to what made her leery of security in airports. He apologized on the spot to both of us making it clear the officer was not following the rules.

Sometimes you just get stuck with a grumpy Gus.

We are sooo excited I am sure that even a grumpy Gus security dude is not going to bring us down!

Thanks for all the help.