Knee replacement and airport security

[Big Swifty]

I had a total knee replacement a few months ago, and have just been on my first overseas holiday since then.
The metal in my knee set off the security buzzer and I was taken aside, virtually given a strip search, emptied my pockets (passport & credit cards left carelessly lying around by jobsworths), shoes were removed and X-rayed, I was patted down, groped in effect, had a device passed over every part of my anatomy, during which time the security tray containing coat, rucksack, plus other personal items, was left unguarded at the end of the belt (fortunately the Mrs looked after it).

It was a horrible experience. Does anyone know - is this going to happen for the rest of my life? I'm off again in a few months and not looking forward to the airport experience.

Please reassure me.Someone else must have had similar.

 

[BlueMoonRisin’]

I had a total knee replacement a few months ago, and have just been on my first overseas holiday since then.
The metal in my knee set off the security buzzer and I was taken aside, virtually given a strip search, emptied my pockets (passport & credit cards left carelessly lying around by jobsworths), shoes were removed and X-rayed, I was patted down, groped in effect, had a device passed over every part of my anatomy, during which time the security tray containing coat, rucksack, plus other personal items, was left unguarded at the end of the belt (fortunately the Mrs looked after it).

It was a horrible experience. Does anyone know - is this going to happen for the rest of my life? I'm off again in a few months and not looking forward to the airport experience.

Please reassure me.Someone else must have had similar.

Maybe you need a 'I have not got a dildo stuffed full of heroin up my rectum' tattoo written across your forehead mate; )

 

[journolud]

Had similar following a hip replacement but this no longer sets off the scanner. Presumably none has now regrow round the metal bits. I don't know if that will happen with a knee though. Some sort of medical "pass" would be helpful in these situations. Perhaps you just look dodgy though.

 

[Big Swifty]

Thank you for your sympathetic replies. Luckily I had forgotten to bring my heroin-stuffed dildo with me on that occasion.

As for the medical pass, I am assured that this does not actually reduce the scrutiny, as a potential terrorist could produce a fake one quite easily.

On the other hand, as journolud says, I do perhaps look a trifle louche. So it's plastic surgery then?

 

[bluegray]

Happened to me coming back from Rome. 3 times I had to go through the scanner with it going off. Patting down all my pockets in a panic until the security guard lady said 'operation' to which I said yes, she laughed and said why not say.

Never went off in Manchester though plus other scanners i've been through so maybe some are more sensitive than others

 

[kevin horlocks wand]

I had a total knee replacement a few months ago, and have just been on my first overseas holiday since then.
The metal in my knee set off the security buzzer and I was taken aside, virtually given a strip search, emptied my pockets (passport & credit cards left carelessly lying around by jobsworths), shoes were removed and X-rayed, I was patted down, groped in effect, had a device passed over every part of my anatomy, during which time the security tray containing coat, rucksack, plus other personal items, was left unguarded at the end of the belt (fortunately the Mrs looked after it).

It was a horrible experience. Does anyone know - is this going to happen for the rest of my life? I'm off again in a few months and not looking forward to the airport experience.

Please reassure me.Someone else must have had similar.

my wife has had both knees replaced ( brilliant by the way) . When she goes through the security the buzzer makes a right noise. She used to have a letter from the doctor she took with her which you can get and show them.

Now she just wears baggy trousers and when the buzzer goes off she lifts the trousers and shows the scars. She always gets searched though and the buzzer will always go off. You have a lump of metal in the knee so it’s bound to. It’s not too bad if you show them the scar.

Baggy trousers....

 

[Trevor Morley's Tache]

A doctors letter would usually suffice, but also be prepared for a pat down search.

It's also worth contacting your airline prior to travel, as they may be able to annotate your doc's at the check in desk to inform security of your situation.

 

[Sir peace frog]

just tell them you've had a knee replacement,youll still set the alarm off. the alarms are there for a reason,better to go through them than let some lunatic on board with a gun,i don't get why people whine constantly about airport security,they are there to protect us,of course some of them can be nicer,believe it or not most are alright,some are jobs worths but you get that in any job,some of the rules are ridicules ie beans and spaghetti hoops,pilots(anybody) aren't allowed to bring yogurts through ect ect ect,people go to security expecting trouble, i go through security a minimum of 5 times a day and im relaxed and pleasant with all of them even the miserable fuckers and have no problems at all.

 

[Sir peace frog]

A doctors letter would usually suffice, but also be prepared for a pat down search.

It's also worth contacting your airline prior to travel, as they may be able to annotate your doc's at the check in desk to inform security of your situation.

wont matter one inch getting a letter off the doc(unless its something to do with a pacemaker ect) we have to push my daughters wheelchair through security she has to amble through the scanner (a sight for sore eyes) and even she will get a pat down if she goes off. as for contacting an airline,they don't give a fuck unless you need some sort of assistance to get on the aircraft in plenty of time.

its not a big deal unless people make it one.

 

[Trevor Morley's Tache]

wont matter one inch getting a letter off the doc(unless its something to do with a pacemaker ect) we have to push my daughters wheelchair through security she has to amble through the scanner (a sight for sore eyes) and even she will get a pat down if she goes off. as for contacting an airline,they don't give a fuck unless you need some sort of assistance to get on the aircraft in plenty of time.

its not a big deal unless people make it one.

I've worked security, both bag scanning and personal security (although not at an airport). The majority of the punters are fine, but it only takes the odd one to make a fuss to cause absolute chaos for everyone else.

If you highlight your situation to the security staff at the earliest opportunity, then generally your passage through security will be as smooth as possible.