Planning to Travel?

Airport Security and Artificial Joints

Planning air travel as a recent recipient of an orthopaedic implant? Be it an artificial joint or pins and plates, with the elevated sensitivity of metal detectors in airports, it's possible that your implant may be detected. Here are some important tips you should know to help you through airport security with the least amount of hassle … and on your way to enjoying your trip.

Firstly, if you're concerned that metal detectors will negatively affect your implant, don't be - they won't.

Secondly, understand that all important public notice at the security check, "No passenger is obliged to submit to a search of his or her person and goods if he or she chooses not to board the aircraft." applies to all air travellers regardless of medical condition, so expect to go through a security process just like everyone else. That's a good thing for the integrity of the process and the safety of all passengers.

Thirdly, prepare to make the security check easy on you. You may take a little longer to get through the check, so it will go faster if you plan ahead. Carry on luggage should be neatly packed and easy for you to carry or pull behind you - you cannot take an airport cart into the security area with you. Check that your pockets are free of all metal (coins, keys, etc.) and that you're wearing as little metal as possible (think hair clips, watches, belt buckles, metal zippers and shoe heels). While none of these suggestions are necessary, the less you have to be checked for the faster you're likely to get through.

What to Expect: Each airport may have slightly different specific procedures, but the general process is the same. Upon entering the pre-board screening (PBS) checkpoint at the airport, notify the screening officer that you have an artificial joint that may set off the magnetic fields of metal detection equipment. It's also a good idea to have your medical information verifying your condition ready to share with the screening officer. While it's not necessary, it might help to speed up the process.

Ask the screening officer if you should proceed through the metal detection equipment. If you proceed through the metal detector and it sounds, then it is the security official's responsibility to determine why. This involves a sweep of your person with a metal detection wand.

If the screening officer recommends that you do not go through the metal detection equipment, then the officer may conduct a physical search.

You Have a Choice: You have the right to request a physical search rather than passing through the metal detection equipment, and the right to request that a physical search be conducted in a private search room rather than at the PBS checkpoint.

While procedures vary, the process will not take long. You can almost certainly count on waiting in line far longer than you will to be checked!

Finally, don't take a check of your person personally. As inconvenient as all travellers might find a check to be, it is the security official's job to determine why the metal detector sounds and to ensure that security is not compromised. It's courteous of all travellers to allow the officials do their job and help them if they can. You'll be on your way to enjoying your trip in mere minutes. Bon voyage!