Can I get through airport security with a metal prosthesis (carry-on, flight) - Travel -airfare, hotels, car rental, backpacking, resorts, cruises, vacations, airplanes, international... - City-Data Forum

bigbioman23 · 08-07-2019, 07:38 AM

I have a metal prosthesis inside my leg. Will I be able to get through a tsa checkpoint without any problems? Will I alarm the body scanner or metal detector? Will they pull me aside?

Aredhel · 08-07-2019, 07:41 AM

Here's your answer: sa.gov/travel/frequently-asked-questions/what-are-procedures-if-i-have-internal-or-external-medical-device

beachmouse · 08-07-2019, 07:41 AM

You'll get sent to secondary screening for it, even if you're Pre-check. I'd suggest a note from your doctor to help explain things.

johninvegas · 08-07-2019, 07:50 AM

I have two artificial knees. When I approach the metal detector, I always ask for the full body scanner. That always shows up the areas that are metal and then the TSA guy will wand me over those areas and let me continue. It takes about an extra 30 seconds. No need for a note from doctors.

If they don't have the full body scanners, I just tell the guy that I have artificial knees and they wand me all over anyway. Not a real problem. I just keep an eye on my carry-on stuff while they are doing the wanding.

jlawrence01 · 08-07-2019, 08:43 AM

I have an implant. I go through the full body scanner and rarely am I subjected to any further screening.

I do have a card in my wallet should I need to explain it.

eureka1 · 08-07-2019, 01:20 PM

Being pulled aside isn't the end of the world,. Takes five minutes. I have two hip replacements and I get pulled every time.

Sand&Salt · 08-07-2019, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eureka1

Being pulled aside isn't the end of the world,. Takes five minutes. I have two hip replacements and I get pulled every time.

I have 3 joint replacements and yes, I get pulled over and patted down and wanded every time. They do not want to look at your doctor's card. Empty your pockets first 'cause they'll make you do that.

It's a hassle but not much you can do. Couple extra minutes...

happygrrrl · 08-10-2019, 04:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sand&Salt

I have 3 joint replacements and yes, I get pulled over and patted down and wanded every time. They do not want to look at your doctor's card. Empty your pockets first 'cause they'll make you do that.

It's a hassle but not much you can do. Couple extra minutes...

This is true, TSA, etc. does not give a crap about the implant card that Dr. office issues. Ex has knee replacement and was/is always pulled aside, showed his card, it was ignored, got the pat-down and gets scanned/wanded every single flight, domestic or international.