Metal staples and airports

[kimbac3]

Hi! Forgive my stupid question but I've never flown before. I have staples in my left knee area and I was wondering if I will need a Dr's note when I go through the metal detector. Does anyone have any experience with this? We just got back from WDW and 4 days of driving -2 down to 2 up and well we'd like to fly next time! Also I know I read somewhere that the resorts have wheelchairs for their guests. Are they free or are they the same cost as the park ones? And can I take it to my room with me or do I need to return it every night? I have my own here but I don't know how to bring it when flying.
Thanks,
Kimba

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi Kimba and welcome to disABILITIES.

We have a "disABILTIES! FAQ" whichyou can get to by clicking on "disABILITIES!" at the top of this page and it is the top item in the index. That should answer several of your questions right away.

Also have you thought of the AutoTrain. It is the second exit on I-95 South of the Capital Beltway in Lorton, VA. Leave your house in the morning, arrive at the Lorton Station before 3:00 (2:00 with a van) arrive in Sanford (about 45 miles from WDW) about 9:00 am and you have skipped about 800 miles of driving. Likewise for the return homde leave WDW about noon or 1:00 and get into Lorton the next morning ready to head home.

 

[SueM in MN]

Besides the good information that Cheshire Figment posted, here is a link to the Transportation Safety Administration's page about travel with implanted medical devices. If the link doesn't work (they change them sometimes), just go to www.tsa.gov and on the left side of the homepage, you will see a link for "Travelers and Consumers". Click on that and it will bring up a menu page with links on the left. Click on the one that says "Persons with Medical Conditions & Medical Conditions." You will find the link for implantable devices (which is the category staples fit into).

Basically it is recommended (but not required) that you inform the screeners before going thru the metal detector that you have and implantable device and where it is. (I don't know why someone would not choose to inform the screeners if they have something that is likely to set off the metal detector).

My youngest DD can't go thru the metal detector because she has to stay in her wheelchair (can't walk thru the detector). The screeners take her thru an area that bypasses the metal detector and then do a pat down and hand held scanner check on her. It usually doesn't take that long to do.

 

[Andrew Bichard]

My youngest DD can't go thru the metal detector because she has to stay in her wheelchair (can't walk thru the detector). The screeners take her thru an area that bypasses the metal detector and then do a pat down and hand held scanner check on her. It usually doesn't take that long to do.

In October, I passed through Orlando in a wheelchair from the UK. I bypassed the detector and was patted down and scanned like your daughter. They also looked under my chair with a mirror, and took swabs off my hands, orthopaedic boots and the underside of my chair to check for explosive residue.

I also noted that most people were taking off their shoes and putting them through the x-ray machine. My wife, who has a replacement hip isn' supposed to bend over, so walked through the scanner gate with her shoes on. No-one asked her to go back, so I suspect this is no longer required. Her hip joint didn't set the machine off.

Andrew

Joke:

Man goes through the metal detector and sets off the alarm. He is taken to one side where he takes off his artificial leg. Once he has had his pat-down and scan, the security guard apologises, telling him the airline has to be extra careful since the 'shoe bomber'. To which he replies 'how do you think I lost my leg?'

 

[UnderTheMistletoe]

Also have you thought of the AutoTrain. It is the second exit on I-95 South of the Capital Beltway in Lorton, VA. Leave your house in the morning, arrive at the Lorton Station before 3:00 (2:00 with a van) arrive in Sanford (about 45 miles from WDW) about 9:00 am and you have skipped about 800 miles of driving. Likewise for the return homde leave WDW about noon or 1:00 and get into Lorton the next morning ready to head home.

We did the auto train in 2000... yes, we didn't want to fly with all the Y2K stuff floating around!

We really enjoyed the time we had on the auto train. I read Green Mile and my mom was absorbed in The Testament. We were happy as clams the whole way down and back wrapped up in our blankets and pillows with a book. I had a ton of people stop and ask me why I was so upset (just the book!)... very friendly group!

We were in the regular chairs. If you can, I would look into one of the private cabins. They looked very comfortable (although no luxurious). Families with tribes of kids all seemed very content in them. Plus, you have some added privacy.

Just a word of caution: Our car alarm went off the whole train trip down. Of course no one could hear it, but it did drain the battery. Although we were in a small group of people (about 6) whose car battry died on the way down, it was an nuisance. The Amtrak workers at the other end were very willing, able, and happy to help. It was fine on the way back. Maybe it got too joustled on the way down? Not really sure...

Remember to bring coats! Virginia can be very chilly on the return trip! And don't forget to factor in Beltway traffic... dealing with it everyday is a headahce!

xoxo

 

[vhoffman]

I have an artificial hip and both knees replaced. I always set off the metal detector. I wouldn't worry about it, its really no big deal. Just walk through, don't explain first or you might seem "suspicious". Then, when you set off the alarm, they will usually ask if you have anything in your pockets that might set off the alarm, such as coins, etc. This is the time to explain that you have a metal implant in your knee. You will then be directed to a screening area which is a glass enclosed area right next to the metal detector. You will be "wanded" then perhaps patted down, by a same-sex employee (or yeo can request one). You might be asked to remove your shoes, but I never have. It helps if you can wear shorts or a skirt so you can "expose" your knee, let them see there's nothing in your pant leg. However, don't worry about it. Its not a big hassle, the employees are polite, there's nothing demeaning or embarassing, its all over quick. I've never been asked for a doctor's note but it wouldn't hurt to have one. I have a card which says I have metal implants, however, there's no standard for such cards so they really can't accept them as "proof". Still, it wouldn't hurt to have one. Most of all, remember that security screeners "can't take jokes" that is, don't make any light-hearted remarks about how you'll probaby set off the alarm, maybe you'll look like you're carrying something, etc. Remember, they can't make such judgments and must take all remarks as serious. That's why I recommend not saying anything, just walk through, then explain if and when you "ding. Oh, and do allow extra time, at least 30 minutes extra on top of your airport time (I always get there 2 hours prior to flight time). Remember you have some special circumstances which might require more time. Don't worry, I've been traveling with metal implants for over 20 years and never had a problem. Don't worry about some posts you might have read (on this board and elsewhere) about problems with security. I really think such experiences are minor, and, in some cases, exagerrated. Really, its a common thing for people to have metal body implants and they are trained to handle it. You're not the first one! Good luck and have a great trip!

 

[ktglads]

I have an IM rod and a handful of screws in my leg and I don't set off the detectors very often. I set off the Orlando one once, but that could have been a fluke. I don't know if there is a level of metal that you can have before you set them off or what, but hey, I'll take it. I flew when I was in a cast so I got wanded so I know the screws set off the hand wand. You may be okay and not set off the alarm. I agree with vhoffman - give yourself extra time, but don't be too worried about it.

 

[DisneyElf]

My nephew has two metal rods & tons of screws in his right ankle (hockey skating accident - his skate got caught in a rut - he turned - skate didn't).

Flew out of JFK - he set it off ... was wanded - showed Dr's note - and they felt his leg. Coming back from SF - didn't set it off. His Dr. said surgical steel doesn't always set it off - socks can be enough to block the metal.

We just allow extra time ... so far no issues with him flying.

 

[kimbac3]

I really appreciated all your help! I hadn't even thought of the auto train. I'll look into that. I will also read the facts threads too. I had a tough time when we went toWDW just a couple of weeks ago. I was a "stonehead" (my Dh's pet name for me) and didn't get a wheel chair and paid dearly for it. It almost ruined the trip. Needless to say I won't do that again! Thanks again!
Kimba

 

[HopperFan]

DSIL is a walking bionic woman from shoulders to shins.......and she doesn't have any trouble getting through.
We all laughed if she didn't set off the machines what hope do we have that we are safe