I'm looking for an answer to a airport security question.
I plan on traveling to Europe soon and I have a metal plate in my leg. I asked my doctor as well as emails to the TSA and various travel websites but none seem to have an answer as to whether or not I need some kind of documentation explaining why I set off the metal dectector.
Could someone provide an answer or point me in the right direction to find the answer.
Thanks in advance
Posted by
Newburyport, MA
683 posts
There is no solution that would work in every airport. TSA screeners have discretion to ban any item, even if it is on some list of ok things, so long as they deem it an issue of safety
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
You could call your local airport and ask them. Bur Kim is right -- there are many, many people who have metal implants, knees, plates, etc. who travel all the time. In my case, all I would have to do is lift my pant leg and show them the 10 in. scar on my ankle. If you set off the metal detector (and you might not), they would just wand you. My doctor told me that they stopped issuing the ID cards they used to give because they are too easily counterfeited and the security people don't trust them anyway.
Posted by
Nottingham, UK
658 posts
All the posts here are making good points - it's not going to be a problem.
All I can add add is this: if you are flying into a country where English is not widely spoken make a small card in that county's language that says 'I have a metal plate in my leg' and show it to the security people if they wand you.
Posted by
Redding, CA, USA
1568 posts
My grandson has a long titanium screw in his hip/thigh bone....no problem. Just tell the screeners.
Posted by
Honolulu/Seattle, HI/WA, USA
2788 posts
In my case, it is not a metal object, but a pacemaker.
I DO carry an official card from the manufacturer that has lots of personal information on it. I fly frequently and when I approach the TSA security gate, I hold up the card and say "pacemaker". Most of the time whether in the US or Europe, the security folks look over the card before allowing me to pass into the "pat down" area. My point: don't give up on getting a card.
Posted by
Wilmington, DE, USA
712 posts
Even if you have a letter, they will send you to an area for special screening. How do they know who really wrote the letter. It is now big deal. If you are traveling with someone have them pick up you carry on from the conveyor belt and wait for you on the other side with them. They can see you through the glass. They have foot prints you stand on and pat you down and use the "wand" and pat you where it set off the detector. I tend to wear something comfortable for traveling with not metal if possible on it, for example a jogging suit or sweats.