Will I need a special card from my doctor when going through airport security?

Question

As a result of a traumatic auto accident which occurred in 1992, I currently have a steel rod in my femur; plates and pins in my hips and a steel plate in my ankle. I never did obtain a special "card" excusing this. However, I do have a note explaining this from my family doctor. Will this pose any big hassles for me with the airport security?

Answer 1

my mom didn't and she has a metal plate in her neck. she didn't set off an alarm or anything ethier.

Answer 2

So long as you have a letter from your Dr you should be ok.  They may have to use the metal detector wand on you, so don't be surprised if that happens.

Answer 3

No.  I have plates and pins in my leg too.  It may or may not set off the metal detector.  If I do set it off, I explain the situation, and I usually wear light clothing in case they have to run the wand over and frisk me.

I never carry a letter from the doctor.  You should have nothing to worry about.

Answer 4

I'll assume you mean airport security in the states. The screener will have to clear you by hand if you alarm the walk-through metal detector (steel plates, and sometimes screws, almost always alarm it, but it depends on their size and orientation in your body). This secondary screening will probably take place within view of the main checkpoint but slightly out of the way. You won't be able to have your belongings until your body has been screened, but the screeners will bring them over to this secondary area for you (or somebody you're traveling with can do it). You can request a private screening if you want. The screener will pass a hand held metal detector within two inches of all parts of your body (except your face). If the hand held alarms, she will pat that area down (around where she got the alarm) but should notify you first before touching you. After the screener has resolved any and all alarms by patting the area that alarmed and has "wanded" your entire body, she will do a quick pat down of your back, stomach, sides, arms and legs. That whole process will probably only take two or three minutes, depending on how many times your plates, rods and screws cause the hand-held to alarm. If you don't want to go through the whole metal detector process, you can request a full body pat down before you walk through, but most people just walk through, alarm, then go to secondary screening. Your doctor's note is nice but not necessary. The screener will still screen you like anybody else who alarmed. The best thing you can do is just go into it prepared (don't carry extra metal on your body like a belt w/ metal, a watch, coins in your pocket, or big earrings) and be pleasant (or at least not unpleasant) and cooperative. It's really a very simple and quick process. Have a good trip!!