Travelling with a first time flyer with steel rods in his legs.

8 replies

Chrisor

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 07 Apr 2013

Total posts 134

Travelling with a first time flyer with steel rods in his legs. In May I am taking an employee to the US and he has never travelled before. He has had many operations on his legs over the years and has steel rods in both legs. I suggested to him to get a medical certificate stating the situation to avoid lengthy or embarrassing times at the airport security scanning. He thinks he'll be okay as he hasn't had problems with domestic travel, but I am not so sure with US security. Thoughts or advice?

watson374

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 17 Aug 2012

Total posts 1,285

If we're talking United States security protocol, I'd definitely get that letter. I would recommend making it an instruction to your employee to get that letter.

Happy Christmas and happy travels.

driley28

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 07 May 2012

Total posts 299

These would be picked by the body scanners and metal detectors.  I would have a medical certificate or letter and present  if asked.  

ads086

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 14 Apr 2014

Total posts 46

Better to have it and not need it...

Merc25

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 29 Jun 2013

Total posts 317

He should take a medical certificate with him to stop any delays or embarrassment .  

Chrisor

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 07 Apr 2013

Total posts 134

Thanks guys, I will insist he has a certificate for his trip.

 

jchen

Member since 11 Jun 2013

Total posts 9

You shouldn't have any issues. 

I was in the US mid-year and I have a rod in my lower leg (no med cert) - I've been checked with normal detectors and full body scanners, and never had a problem - the operator can clearly see it's within the bone and not external. Otherwise you can opt for a pat down - and it should be pretty straightforward too.

 

Frank

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 09 Sep 2013

Total posts 107

Have travelled with 2 replacement knees for the past 5 years, I dont think a letter will do much for you.  You are going to trip the alarm as you go thru the monitor in any event, and I now just point to my knees and wear the pat down. Any terrorist could provide a letter for any metal in or on his person, so they really take no notice of them.  The US in most places were very in depth and officious in their pat downs, other countries less so.  I also ask an official as I load my bag on the chute if there is anything special I need to do which often saves having to come back thru the xray twice. One thing you will pick up is that all airports have different requirements - like me you will just have to grin and bear it.

Chrisor

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 07 Apr 2013

Total posts 134

Thanks for the reply Frank.

 

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