Airport this week

Hey All
I am 4 weeks post op, PM installed (don't know if installed is quite the correct way to put it) I am flying this week for first time and will post the experience if any are interested. Will be interested to see if it adds to the hassle or not.

Tim

5 Comments

Please Do

by Lurch - 2014-07-21 04:07:10

And if you don't mind me asking, what airports are you using?

I have not done any air traffic since the installation (stuffing?) of my ICD so I have no first hand experience, but my research indicates that it really isn't a big deal.

Some apparently just go through the normal procedures while others show their ID and get a hand search...

Good luck and enjoy the trip!

not much

by Tracey_E - 2014-07-21 09:07:00

I've flown countless times since I got my first pm,last week was the most recent. I tell them about the pm when they check id and ask which line I should go in, some airports have a preference which line we go in. If they have the 3D scanners where you put your hands up, go through it like everyone else. It's xray, not metal detector. If they only have the metal detectors, you'll have to get a pat down. I'm usually done by the time my family gets through the line and gathers their things. It's a minor inconvenience but I've never been treated with anything other than courtesy.

When you get the pat down, most will ask if you have an area that is sore (I can recite most of the spiel by now). If they don't ask, don't be shy about telling them your surgery is NEW and you are SORE.

Some do go through the metal detectors, yes. They will not hurt the pm, however if we set it off, the pat down is much more thorough and a bigger hassle than if you'd told them in the first place. I choose not to go through.

It's rarely an issue at airports because they know better, but I've had problems at federal buildings, theme parks, concerts with wands. Well, not problems, but had to stop and explain things to the security people more than once. We cannot be wanded above the waist. It's the same technology as the metal detector but more concentrated. It probably won't hurt the pm but there is a small chance of it changing the settings. Not worth it!

Flying

by PeteFindlay - 2014-07-22 07:07:36

I flew 10 days after my op, and had no issues. In fact, when I told the security at both Manchester (UK) and JFK, I was whisked round the side and got through much quicker. I went through X-ray at MAN, and just a pat-down at JFK.

I have since been through the detector arches at other airports and venues without an issue, just warning the staff I may set it off! And, of course, watching out for the detector wands.

I haven't been asked for my card so far, but it's only been 10 weeks, so not much experience to go by.

Pete

Leaving from BWI

by TPMan - 2014-07-22 10:07:42

I am leaving out of BWI this time, will be interested to see how this goes, will provide update on Thursday

Update on my flight

by TPMan - 2014-07-24 04:07:14

Hello all,

My trip was "uneventful" just like I hoped and want all the time. On my trip out, I went through the old type scanner, walked right though with no issue. On the way back I went through the new style where you hold your hands over your head, which I was nervous about as I am still in the six week window of not holding my hand/arm over my head (surgery was 34 days ago) so I was slow and careful. No issue at all. Biggest concern was putting my luggage overhead and I did that one handed, so basically, back to normal.

Tim

You know you're wired when...

You have rhythm.

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