I'll be traveling to Europe with my new titanium hip this year. What happens at security? Do I just tell them about the hip? It certainly would show up on that X-ray thing. My situation must be a common one.
Posted by
PA
2743 posts
Swan: I had bi-lateral hips done in 2001. We began flying in 2008. At that time, the airports still used the metal detectors, and I set these off. I was taken aside, scanned by wands, given the pat-down. By all means, tell them about the implant, it makes their job that much easier. This, BTW, is the same deal I have to go through when i enter a federal building here (e.g., to visit IRS), if the metal detector is set too high then they wand me.
With the advent of the body scanners, I generally have no problem going through airport security if the airport is using scanners, which most do now. And they know what joint implants look like on the scans. They see it, and I walk on through.
If you have any doubts, just mention it to the agent when you enter the machine, and is there anything he needs you to do. Also can't hurt to have your joint-replacement card that you received handy.
Posted by
the Netherlands
2487 posts
My most beloved one also has some metal works. When the machine picks it up, she explains the situation. A swift body check solves the problem.
Posted by
NYC area
2908 posts
Hi,
My wife had a total knee replacement last year. We haven't flown yet, but the surgeon gave her a card, credit card size, stating the new knee and date of surgery, practice name, etc. for the purpose of traveling.
Paul
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
My doctor told me that they no longer issue the cards because they are disregarded by security as too easy to counterfeit. I have two knees, and a plate and screws in one ankle. When I approach the detector, I just tell the officer and they sometimes wand me, sometimes send me on through the scanner. In London a couple of years ago, they asked to see the scar (I only had one affected knee then). It's not a big deal to them.