Flying for the first time ever

Hello! I am flying for the first time ever to Chicago from Austin, Tx the middle of July. Are there any words of wisdom, precautions, etc... that I need to be aware of?
Thanks,
maryruthramirez

6 Comments

Flying

by exsailor66 - 2009-06-28 01:06:00

Hello,

I've flown several times with my pacer.

The only difference you should find is during security check-in. I always opted not to go through the machine, and had to be hand-wanded. It isn't a big deal except that I wonder what the other passengers are thinking, ie: "Why are they checking him so closely...is he on some threat list."

I just made a joke of it by asking the security agent why they didn't buy me dinner first...I'm sure they've heard it a gazillion times...lol

Cheers,
Mike

Austin

by katetrent - 2009-06-28 02:06:14

Bring a fan - it's hotter than___ here in Austin! Same thing as previous post - just get them to use the want on you - I have my little card in my purse that lets them know in case they need some "proof" - happy flying!!

Flying is a breeze

by lweiser - 2009-06-28 02:06:31

I too have flown several time-I walk through the metal detector and have never had a problem. (I checked with my doc first and he said it was ok). I carry my id card just in case. Enjoy Austin-it is hot in Texas. I'll be flying from Austin to Chicago next month.

Identification Card Holder

by KayLynn - 2009-06-28 02:06:58

Well I haven't flown yet, one because I was scared with the pacemaker; However, after reading the comments it has taken some of the fear away for a possible trip.
I just clicked on the site "Store" scroll down and see the identification card holder that can be purchased and comments from prior travellers. Enjoy Austin, and keep cool.

no problems flying

by SaraC - 2009-06-28 03:06:48

I've flown lots of times since having my pm implanted two years ago. At the security check I've always told them I have one - never had to show the card - and they take you the other side of the moving belt where you put your carry on luggage and they pat you down - didn't ever use the wand! They always asked me if I wanted to go to a private room - which I always said no to because I didn't care. Only once has anyone actually noticed the pacemaker - and she asked me what it was. When I told her she was terribly excited because she hadn't realised you could feel it from the outside.
I was intrigued by what Iweiser said about just walking through the metal detector - the doctor told me I would set the alarms bells ringing although it wouldn't hurt me or the pm. I guess that's not the case, although I don't know that I'm prepared to test that out next time. I'll see!
As far as the rest of the flight - nothing is different from before the pm. And I expect Chicago will be cooler than Austin, although who knows with the crazy weather we've been having. Enoy the trip.

no problems, but some new device out there

by moltke - 2009-06-28 04:06:55

I have flown twice now since getting my pacemaker and both times they have looked at my card. Otherwise there is no problem.

Just returned from Canada through Detroit and they wanted to use some new device with RF waves rather than magnetic waves, but allowed me to opt out of it and just do the pat down... Does anyone know anything about this new detector and whether it interfers with pacemakers?

You know you're wired when...

You have a 25 year mortgage on your device.

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