Airport Security

I have traveled twice since getting my pacemaker three weeks ago. The first time they patted me down coming and going. This time they said I could go through the non x-ray machine where one stands on the footprints, puts ones/s arms over your head and waits a few seconds while the scanner takes an image. The one that you walk through is an x-ray machine. In neither case did they do a wand scan. Is it OK to go through the non x-ray body scanner?

8 Comments

Yeah it's OK

by Theknotguy - 2015-03-06 11:03:02

Been through airport checks in the USA and in the UK. No problems. Had a guy sneak up on me in the UK with a wand, so probably wands won't bother the PM. Had to go through one of those non-approved scanners at, of all places, the State Fair - no problems.

Question in my mind is if the PM will set off the scanner instead of the scanner bothering the PM.

I pull out the PM card so everyone knows I have one. Usual reaction is, "Yeah, yeah, you gotta PM. Now go through the scanner."

Like I said, keep the PM card out so they know you have one. For the most part don't worry about the scanners bothering the PM.

Hope your travels go OK.

x-ray scanner

by brushmore - 2015-03-07 03:03:03

I travel frequently for work and I've gone through the x-ray scanners multiple times and never an issue with my pacemaker or an alarm going off.

scanners

by Tracey_E - 2015-03-07 09:03:26

It's safe enough to walk through the metal detectors, however we can set it off which causes more problems than it's worth. They are a lot more cranky about a pat down if you've set off the metal detector first. If the 3d scanners aren't running, I ask for a pat down.

Wands are the same technology as the metal detectors but more concentrated. Best case, we make it beep. Worst case, it can mess with our settings. Avoid them if at all possible, never ever let them use one on you above the waist. Airport security is generally well trained and knows this, it's more likely to be an issue at amusement parks, concerts and other places with less well trained security.

types of scanners

by Tracey_E - 2015-03-07 10:03:54

3d scanners = xray scanners = the ones you put your hands up. This is not the same as the old fashioned metal detectors that you empty your pockets and walk through. Neither will hurt us, however we can set off the metal detectors while the xrays will just show a pretty glowy circle where the pm is.

If we are going to have a problem, it will be on the metal detectors, not the xray scanners.

airport scanners

by trish - 2015-03-07 11:03:48

Traveled a lot last fall . Went right through metal detectors, scanners at JFK, Athens Instanbul, Rome and on and off cruise ship. Held pm identity card in hand while going through but never had to even show it. Had talked with Medtronic folk prior to departure and the assured that all these were fine with my pacemaker. Had absolutely no problem. Trish

Cranky Security

by Canadian Dave - 2015-03-08 03:03:05

Hi all. I've been living with my pacemaker for just over three years. I've only had one issue with airport security and that is when I didn't tell them about the pacemaker. After reading airport literature in Manchester, UK, it said clearly that everyone had to pass through the scanners. That included pregnant woman, pacemaker users or in short......everyone! To that end I heven't bothered mentioning it to avoid the inevivitable confrontational stance from security. I had no issue until one of the guards overheard me telling my girlfriend that the scan didn't seem to effect me.

Suddenly this guard freaked out telling me that I should have informed them about the pacemaker. I pointed out that the airport information was clear on the subject and that security should read it themselves. After I received a death stare he walked off.

To date, Imhave changed nothing in my life since the pacemaker was put into me. I have completed two sessions of the Insanity Workout, one of the T25 workout, I walk about 40 miles a week, I undertake building work, I work in large scale data centers and I fly around a lot. I still have over five years left on my battery and so far so good. Thanks.

Metal Scanners

by PJinSC - 2015-03-08 03:03:12

I have been through numerous metal detector scanners and never set off an alarm nor felt anything to indicate that the scanner was interfering with my PM or leads. Went through several airport 3D whole body scanners recently, no problem, and never got called to the back. Showed my card, just in case, and they all said it was my choice. The TSA agents at Portland were the most courteous about letting me chose. Treat them with respect, and you get it in return. PJ

Yep

by NiceNiecey - 2015-03-08 09:03:57

All good comments above.

Short answer: yes, the scanner where you put your arms up and hold still for a couple seconds is fine.

If I see that I'm headed for that scanner, I don't even mention the PM.

I've already flown over 30,000 miles this year and I don't have any problems. Some airports (outside the U.S.) even have special security lines identified for those with PMs!

Safe travels!

You know you're wired when...

You make store alarms beep.

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