Airport Metal Detectors

I saw a new sign at the airport yesterday at the metal detector. It said if you had a pacemaker, only walk through on the advice of your doctor. I had never noticed that before, previously it was no pacemakers should go through, whether your doctor said it's ok or not. I've been walking through since I got my newest one earlier this year. My doc said the alloys they use now won't set it off, and it's shielded enough that it won't be affected. Yesterday was the first I didn't feel like I was breaking the rules by doing it! 

(an aside to newbies, 3D scanners have always been ok for us, only the metal detectors are/were questionable)

6 Comments

walk through scanners

by Good Dog - 2016-08-21 16:26:58

I have always (for 30 years) walked through the scanners. At least 50 times. I have also been wanded about a dozen times. I have never had a problem and my PM never set-off (alarmed) either of them. Now I am not recommending anyone else do it, but that has been my experience.

Flight safety

by Cabg Patch - 2016-08-22 12:07:50

Glad to see that the FAA has finally started catching up to technology. As you know, I've always said it's not the airport scanners we have to worry about when flying, it's the sudden stop when the plane hits the ground...

The funny bit of airport security

by Charlene - 2016-08-22 13:43:28

I too have been told I can walk through the scanners but don't stand in them for a long period of time, I flew from London Gatwick this year and poor security guard looked as though he was going to have heart failure on my behalf as they normally let PM people skip the scanner, did have a chuckle! It didn't set off the machine nor from London Heathrow, so far the only place I've set off the scanner is coming back from holiday in Guatemala, my lack of Spanish and my English medical card made for an interested pat down but a great game of charades as I tried to point to pacemaker! It's only right we have as much fun with it as possible right! :-) x

Pacemakers and airport security

by LondonAndy - 2016-08-22 19:32:19

I agree with GoodDog, though I've only been walking through (without saying anything about the PM) for about 18 months, (PM insert 2 years ago) and also don't stop walking when I do.

I'm not sure I would do this in a third world airport.

A security guard at London Gatwick said to me that somebody who makes pacemakers and has one, and flies through there regularly, makes a point of walking through.

I'll stick to the 3D scanner

by Lisalac - 2016-08-25 23:14:56

Funny because My cardiologists says absolutely not to ever walk through the detectors so I just go to the 3D scanner or pat down if they don't have one. I find I actually get through alot faster anyway that way anyway.

Lisa

by Tracey_E - 2016-08-27 10:02:18

That's what I was told for the last 20 years! But when I got my new one earlier this year, both doctor and SJM rep said metal detectors are perfectly safe with my new one. 

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