Traveling through TSA with medical issues

[tazdev3225]

I have had issues with TSA wearing an ankle and knee brace but they are easily handled. My next trip is going to be a little more complicated and I'm not sure how it is handled so hoping someone here can give me some advice.

I am taking a trip with 19 people in late November, I know I have time. The issue is that my husband is having fusion surgery on his foot and heel in the next week or so and will have plates and screws in his foot because of it. This means X-Ray and the scanner will go off. Add to that my son in law had a minor stroke last week and now has to wear a monitor under his skin for the next 2 years. So I think he will be unable to go through either device. Do we need to get anything from the doctor for these conditions? I have had a ton of issues with TSA in Orlando so I am trying to get a jump on my plans.

Part of the issue is I will also be traveling with an autistic grandson so we want to have him as prepared as we can for any complication. It was his father who had the stroke and he is already having issues dealing with it.

Thanks.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

No physician's note is needed. The TSA website has a lot of information for people traveling with medical issues; why not check it out?

 

[gap2368]

I would just tell the TSA that your husband has plates and screws in his ankle they will most likely to a pat down, same thing goest for your husband, just tell them. Most TSA officers have seen all kinds of different medical equipment. I know for me my medical equipments comes with a card that explains what it is what it looks like the SN number of it and a website they can go on to get more information. I have never had any problems with TSA, but I do keep the card in my wallet just in case. I am not sure if a Dr note would help ( I have never needed one) but you could get one just incase.

I find go early so you are not rushed

explain to the TSA your medical device/ why you can not go thought the regular screening. and be ready to answer any question they have.

for me this has always worked.

I do know someone that fly out of the same airport with the same medical device and is always in a hurry and she has a hard time with TSA

 

[lanejudy]

First, I recommend allowing plenty of time. That goes for both directions (home airport and MCO).

The knee and ankle brace may trigger an alert, in which case a TSA agent will also use the wand in those areas. My brother has pins and/or screws, and he just tells them what and where; he goes through the scanner and then they sometimes do an extra wand. I don't think that is a problem, you and your husband should just be prepared to explain.

For your SIL, he (or his wife) should tell the TSA agents exactly why he cannot go through the scanner; if a wand is allowed that will be the next option, otherwise I believe they will offer a pat-down.

For your grandson, you or his parents can help him to prepare. Watch videos and explain the process. Explain the secondary security in case he gets pulled for that. Assure him he has done nothing wrong and has nothing to hide, and the TSA agents are just doing their job making sure the airplane is safe. Some airports offer a walk-through or tour for people with autism; if you live close enough to your local airport you could look into that.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[Betty Rohrer]

First, I recommend allowing plenty of time. That goes for both directions (home airport and MCO).

The knee and ankle brace may trigger an alert, in which case a TSA agent will also use the wand in those areas. My brother has pins and/or screws, and he just tells them what and where; he goes through the scanner and then they sometimes do an extra wand. I don't think that is a problem, you and your husband should just be prepared to explain.

For your SIL, he (or his wife) should tell the TSA agents exactly why he cannot go through the scanner; if a wand is allowed that will be the next option, otherwise I believe they will offer a pat-down.

For your grandson, you or his parents can help him to prepare. Watch videos and explain the process. Explain the secondary security in case he gets pulled for that. Assure him he has done nothing wrong and has nothing to hide, and the TSA agents are just doing their job making sure the airplane is safe. Some airports offer a walk-through or tour for people with autism; if you live close enough to your local airport you could look into that.

Enjoy your vacation!

our adult daughter has medical device that does not allow either wand or scanner. she just tells at scanner why she can not go thru then she was taken for pat down. one thing I would make sure for one with autism if a flapper make sure that person understands you can not touch side of scanner. grandson is a flapper and has to touch everything. had more trouble with that than mother's device and screws in my hand. I set off scanner but because I had made them aware they just wand me showing that was were it was.

 

[Pridemom]

You can contact TSA Cares regarding assistance through security. If it helps, my husband has a fused neck and titanium in his wrists, flying multiple trips last summer made no alerts with all of his metal.

 

[tazdev3225]

Thanks everyone. My daughter said they have the card already so now to hope she doesn't lose it. Just kidding it's in my SIL's wallet. DH will get one also.

My DH is a Deputy Sheriff so we are taking the kids down to the Criminal Justice Center where he works on a Saturday when they aren't busy. They have metal detectors so we are going to have them go through with something to trigger the metal detectors and without anything. Also use the wand and a pat down. My grandson has issues with noise more than anything but is getting better. He's also good when we go through things step by step so he understands.

 

[gap2368]

My grandson has issues with noise more than anything but is getting better. .

can he wear ear plugs for when he goes though the meter detectors. the ear plugs will not block out all sound but it may be enough to make it easer for him.

 

[tazdev3225]

can he wear ear plugs for when he goes though the meter detectors. the ear plugs will not block out all sound but it may be enough to make it easer for him.

I never thought of them for this. My other son in law works in construction and is getting us some for the trip. We knew fireworks and T-Rex would be an issue. Thanks for the suggestion. As much as he tries to stay calm noises get to him.

 

[gap2368]

I never thought of them for this. My other son in law works in construction and is getting us some for the trip. We knew fireworks and T-Rex would be an issue. Thanks for the suggestion. As much as he tries to stay calm noises get to him.

I have problems with nosies too, remember at disney you may be asked to walk thought a meter detector too. So you may want to give your GS a heads up.

 

[FoxC63]

@tazdev3225 Have you considered purchasing "TSA Precheck" ?

We have it and we have never had issues with lights flashing or any drama.

 

[johnsgrl]

Certain metals won't cause an alarm in the metal detector (I have 4 plates and 8 screws in my neck and can go through with no issue). Also, if there is a body scanner vs a metal detector there will be no issue for him. If it does alarm they usually ask if there are any implanted devices and will check the area.
Some implanted devices are able to go through the security devices so have SIL check with his Dr. for the specifics of that device, if he can go through and it alarms he would likely need a limited pat down of the area, and if he can't go through either he will need to request a full pat down so leave plenty of time. TSA won't ask for, or read a note from physicians, just let them know what the issues are before going through the devices and they can direct you to the appropriate procedures for that airport.

 

[bumbershoot]

I find go early so you are not rushed

This, always.

 

[kam23]

Thanks everyone. My daughter said they have the card already so now to hope she doesn't lose it. Just kidding it's in my SIL's wallet. DH will get one also.

My DH is a Deputy Sheriff so we are taking the kids down to the Criminal Justice Center where he works on a Saturday when they aren't busy. They have metal detectors so we are going to have them go through with something to trigger the metal detectors and without anything. Also use the wand and a pat down. My grandson has issues with noise more than anything but is getting better. He's also good when we go through things step by step so he understands.

Any medical card from a doctor is useless, I have one. Thoughts being anyone can copy it. As for any screws and plates in a foot and ankle, they will not be a problem. I have 3 joint replacements and use the full body scannner with a problem.