Airport Security

Because of my pacemaker I was allowed to not pass through the metal detector and was given the option of a pat down or a hand held wand. I selected the pat down. During the pat down I was told that the attendant would have to feel the pacemaker which he did. This was very uncomfortable. Has anyone had a similar experience? Has anyone had the hand held wand search?

12 Comments

get a supervisor next time

by Tracey_E - 2015-11-01 11:11:42

No, there is absolutely no reason for them to feel the pacemaker! I've flown countless times in the 20 years I've been paced and never had them ask to feel the pacer itself. They usually ask if there are any sensitive areas so they avoid them.

Say no to the wand. It's the same technology as the metal detector but more concentrated. It can be used below the waist only. It's probably harmless but not worth taking chances.

We can go through the 3d scanners, they're just xray.

airport security

by trish - 2015-11-02 02:11:25

I just walk through all scanners at airports. (do carry ID card in hand but never had to show it.) Have gone through JFK, Atlanta, Rome, Athens, Paris etc with absolutely no problem . Trish

Never had security feel for my PM

by LondonAndy - 2015-11-02 07:11:17

I agree with TraceyE - never had my pacemaker felt for by security staff (or anyone else!), and also never even had to show the ID card, which does surprise me. They usually do a pat-down, but I am tempted to do as Trish does and just go through the detector arch anyway next time I fly - at least in European or American airports, maybe not if I go outside. Even if there is interference it is temporary.

Tracey E's right

by knb123 - 2015-11-02 08:11:12

That is absolute b.s. about someone needing to "feel" your pacemaker! You have a St. Jude Medical i.d. card; that's proof enough.

I have traveled several times since my PM implant this year--including through European airports--and the patdown has been circumspect. If you ever encounter that kind of nonsense again, I would encourage you to ask for the supervisor or return to the airline desk and report your experience.

Do you mind sharing the name of the city/airport where this happened? I think at least a few of us would want to be forewarned.

Too much over-reacting here !

by IAN MC - 2015-11-02 08:11:12

Is it really such a big deal if a conscientious security person feels your pacemaker ? I don't think that the discomfort is particularly severe!

I am happy if they ascertain that the bulge by my collar- bone is indeed a PM and not a small hand grenade strapped to my chest; they are doing it for everyone's safety.

It is just possible that those 224 people who died in Egypt this week may have survived if security had been more thorough, only time will tell

I had no objections whatsoever to being "felt" by the female security officer in Athens International Airport

Ian






Interestingly

by IAN MC - 2015-11-02 09:11:37

I had mine felt in Athens by a charming young female .

Before anyone gets too excited ,I AM talking about the pacemaker !

Cheers

Ian

Way out of line

by Theknotguy - 2015-11-02 12:11:32

Yeah, the guy was way out of line. No reason for him to do what he did. In the State of Ohio, that would be criminal assault. Don't think you could make it stick, but no reason to do it. You probably complain to the TSA but it probably won't get you anywhere either.

Wands are OK. They give you a warning they aren't but I've had it done with no problems. I've had the wands a couple of times - usually without warning. Won't say what I was thinking at the time because the guys sneaked up on me and used the wands before I knew they were there, but no ill effects.

The 3d scanners are OK too. Have gone through them several times. No problems.

Had to go through one of the non-approved scanners at, of all places, a State Fair.. Told the trooper that if anything happened I'd be really ticked, Guys with knee replacements were getting pulled off the side because the alarm was going off. I walked through with no problems.

No issue for me

by SaraTB - 2015-11-03 06:11:10

When having the pat down the agent runs a hand down your body. I've often had them remark "oh, is that your pacemaker?" when they feel it. No discomfort or issue.

Once after the scanner I was asked to confirm where my device was located as it evidently showed on the scan. A gentle hand was placed over it and that was it.

It amuses me!

by Artist - 2015-11-03 09:11:41

I'm a grey haired 74 year old female, retired USAF officer and they are still thorough in their pat down with me, making me stand spread eagle in two footprint impressions on the floor. The female security guard said I am going to touch you lightly here, is that o.k.? She lightly touched the pacemaker area near my shoulder. I thanked her for her efforts and part in attempting to keep everyone safe. No big deal. I get more scrutiny at Walmart when I walk IN to the store and set something off. Do they think I stole something and am walking BACK into the store with it! I am getting used to flashing my medical ID bracelet and surgical scar.

No Wand

by valley01 - 2015-11-04 04:11:02

I had an issue in airport security a year ago - went through the 3D scanner and several areas showed up they needed to check. I showed them my PM card and they showed me the areas that needed checking. I had on a shirt that had zipper side pockets - they asked if they could scan them with the wand and I said yes thinking it was no big deal. I noticed being seriously tired and run down for a couple of weeks after but never thought it could be an issue with my PM. I went in for my routine annual PM check and they couldn't get my PM to read. After an EKG and a lot of questioning my EP called in the Biotronik reps (I had to go back the next day). They were able to get enough data off my PM to show it put itself into backup mode the day I flew. They said it was a safety feature to protect the device and they wouldn't say for sure it was the wand that caused it but they ruled everything else out (I had worn a motion sickness device on my wrist that they ruled out). They did say I was never in any danger because I'm not 100% paced, I just didn't feel good.

I wouldn't let anyone feel my PM - after 3 years it's still sensitive to touching, however, I always flash my scar when there is any question - I'm proud of that baby!!! Lol

Happened to me recently

by brushmore - 2015-11-04 11:11:32

I travel often for work and I always go through the scanners. The last time they asked what was on my shoulder area and I told them a pacemaker and the TSA agent asked feel it. The guy barely touched and let me through. Mine too is sensitive to the touch so I defiantly can see why this could be an issue.

I am wondering if this is a new policy from the TSA?

Security Policy

by IAN MC - 2015-11-05 01:11:22

What has always intrigued me is that airport security varies enormously from country to country , from airport to airport and even between security officers in the same airport:-

- Do you take your shoes off or not ?
- Do you take your belt off or not?
- Do you remove your I Pad from your hand luggage ?
- Do you carry your passport / wallet or do you leave it in the tray ?
- Are you allowed to carry water or not?
- Do they look at your PM card or not ?
- Do they give you a pat down or not ?
- Do they use a wand or not?
- Do they feel your pacemaker or not ?

I have experienced every possible permutation of the above . One thing is for sure though :-

It can depend on the level of security alert at the airport on any given day !

I bet you that everyone with a PM who travels from Sharm El-Sheik airport in Egypt this week will , without exception,have their PM felt !!!

If there are loads of uniformed guys with machine guns walking round the terminal on the day you travel then the chances of having your PM felt will increase

The joys of air-travel !

Ian

You know you're wired when...

Friends call you the bionic man.

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