Going through airport security is unquestionably everyone’s least favorite part of travelling. For amputees travelling with a prosthetic, the thought of ion scanners, intrusive agents, and more make passing through airport security all the more daunting. Fortunately, after some embarrassing early episodes, the TSA has worked hard recently to make accommodations for travelers with medical devices and disabilities.
With the holiday season approaching, we’ve compiled some useful information to help make travelling with a prosthetic as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Items to remember before you get to the airport:
You can be screened without removing your prosthetic.
Be sure to notify the TSA officer that you have a prosthetic device before screening begins. If you prefer to not mention your prosthetic verbally, the TSA provides a notification card which you can print out on the TSA’s website here which you can hand to the agent. You can be screened by metal detector, patdown, or through imaging technology while still wearing your prosthetic. You also have the option to remove your prosthetic and have the device x-ray screened.
Your prosthetic will receive additional screening.
The officer will request to see the prosthetic. Don’t be alarmed, but they may require that you adjust your clothing. They will also test your prosthetic for explosive residue with an Ion Scanner.
The more you know before you arrive at the airport, the less unpleasant the experience becomes.
Contact us if you have any further questions!