Airport security and medical implants

[Mackenzies03]

Hi all,

I’m hoping someone can help my train of thought right now.

My next trip to Florida will be my first with a metal implant in my body. I understand security is tight and I’m perfectly happy to do whatever they want me to do. I have a little card that explains what it is and what it looks like but I’ve been doing some research that security aren’t particularly bothered about xrays/drs letters etc.

That’s all fine. My wonder is, would FastTrack security be smoother than normal security?

I realise it is a very common thing but honestly, I’m very anxious about it all and just want the smoothest, least stressful experience.

TIA

[mick]

Joan had a full metal knee replacement in 2014 and every time she goes though the scanner both here and at MCO she gets picked up. They simply ask her to step aside and pass the wand over her.

Maybe adds 2 minutes to the security process and no issues at all. She doesn't carry any official explanation but I guess that knee replacements are fairly common these days

Doing fast track won't make any difference because scanners won't be any different but please don't stress - it happens to hundreds of travellers.

Mick

[mick]

PS

One little tip if you are travelling with others.

I always go through security scanners ahead of Joan as I know she'll be delayed a bit. I go first so I'm on the other side of the X Ray to make sure I see our stuff coming through.

Mick

[archibald]

My DH has enough metal in his shoulder/collar bone to set off a child's metal detector, but never has a problem with security - other than his belt, keys, liquids ...

[paw]

I got a new knee 18 months ago. We’ve since travelled to America, Canada, Mexico and Tenerife. The place that takes longest to get through is Manchester. Tell them I have an artificial knee but still sent through the arch and alarm goes off. Sent to X-ray booth. Wand passed over me. Pat down, especially around knee which at times has been painful and I’ve told them so. Finally sit down, shoes off and raise legs one at a time. I have no idea why they do the last bit but they have done it every time. Elsewhere in the world it’s arch, wand and quick check with back of hand over knee.

[Mackenzies03]

Thank you so much for your replies! The device is in my chest so hopefully won’t cause too much of an issue (it’s fine for scanners). I think it’s being so used to walking straight through and the ‘unknown’ of suddenly knowing I might cause a problem. Thank you again

[LLamb]

My mum has had her shoulder replaced and I don’t think the metalwork is picked up as it’s completely random if she gets stopped.
Definitely always gets stopped at Man, lhr and lgw were fine.
Didn’t get stopped at mco.

If you do get stopped just explain and it will be fine, they see it all the time.

[JudgeJ26]

I've got a double knee replacement and found going through security very quick with no problems. Going through security at one of the parks the guard shouted to everyone "Make way please it's the bionic woman coming through"😂.

[BarryandCaron]

Our son has a Vagus Nerve implant in his chest, he’s had it since 1999. Never had any trouble going through security with it, he doesn’t go through the scanner.

[Mr Tom Morrow]

I have mesh in my groin. They wand me when it activates the scanner albeit it doesn’t do it every time.

My Wife will get caught out next trip I suspect as she is having a hip replacement tomorrow. Well unless the NHS cancel it again!