airport security with pacemaker

Thanks for sharing your experience, New to Pace

by Persephone - 2022-07-07 16:57:26

Airport security can be "interesting" in the best of circumstances - glad your experience went OK. I hope your trip was for enjoyment and that it went well.

trip

by new to pace.... - 2022-07-07 17:55:48

thanks Persephone, was for pleasure. 

Also wanted to see if the pacemaker made a difference.  Was to the same event before the pacemaker.  Found out i could walk the main entrance driveway down and up the hill without feeling like my breathing was going to stop.  First time since 2002.  Then was able to walk from the hotel lobby to the conference center more than once. 

Unfortunately the flight back was a nightmare.  Was not stress free, took many deep breaths.

new to pace

Airport security is random

by 101DDD - 2022-07-08 09:50:16

I've had my pacemaker since 2019 and air travel now is a continual gamble of whether I will get pat down. I have TSA pre-check, but the second you mention a pacemaker, they yell "Opt OUT" and send you through the millimeter wave scanner (the yellow feet, arms up scanner).  

After recalling the travel I've had since the pacemaker, they have very frequently needed to pat me down, but very infrequently is it the same spot.  After looking up some information about millimeter wave scanners, they are very inaccurate (but it IS the internet) with a number of false positives.  

Unfortunately, I think getting a pat down is dependant upon the calibration on the scanning machine as well as the protocols at the airport.  When I go through security at major airports (ex. Vegas, Detroit), I never get pat down.  Going through a smaller airport, I get the pat down almost every time. 

Therefore, I don't think there is anything you can do to avoid security patting you down and nothing you can trust in to improve the experience other than take a bus.  Good luck!

airport scanners

by new to pace.... - 2022-07-08 12:47:52

Thanks 101DDD previously before pacemaker and shoulder replacement. Would have the pat down as would forget that i had a marker where they placed a marker when they did a biospy in my breast.  Also have an elbow replaced in the 80's..  First airport was in Sarasota, Fl and the return was from Chicago, Il.  

new to pace

TSA Scanner sensitive

by Stache - 2022-07-09 14:40:53

I am a retired FAA Aviation Safety Inspector with a dual-chamber 100% pacemaker.  I tend to fly a lot still as I am retired.  Airport security will not affect your pacemaker, especially the newer ones that are hardened.  The so-called X-ray machines TSA uses use radio waves and are designed to pick up of certain masses and only penetrate a couple of mill meters into the skin.  I have massive scar tissue where my pacemaker is and it will flag it and my prostrate since I had surgery.  Bottom line you can go through the TSA X-ray machine without an issue or you can still request to be checked with a wand this is your choice. 

NOTE:  Some X-ray machines are set at a higher sensitive than others, I set off San Francisco and Sacramento machines all the time because of the settings.  Boise and Atlanta Airports is never an issue.

pat down

by new to pace.... - 2022-07-09 15:31:46

thanks Stache, it was my other metals that i generally forget to mention that seem to set off the machine. This time and before implanted pacemaker in Aug. 2019.

 Did not use wand on me just the pat down.

new to pace

I don't tell them

by LondonAndy - 2022-07-10 23:59:49

I just go through as a regular passenger, and don't set anything off or suffer any ill effects, but obviously having metal elbows etc will make a difference. 

thanks LondonAndy

by new to pace.... - 2022-07-11 16:55:24

I generally forget about the shoulder and elbow. Since i do not see the scars. The elbow  one is behind the arm and shoulder(2020) is tucked under and covered by  my tops.

 The first time I went though  after the elbow replacement.  Had of course forgotten. The TSA person wanted me to open the incision to see? i do not know why.  I said it have been closed since 1980.  thought he must be crazy.

new to pace