Airport Secuity checks

I have been on two holidays with my pacemaker and I am struggling to cope with the intrusive physical body search - from the security staff - leaving no part of my body un touched, my breasts, crutch and even examining between my toes, hands around my waist belt down my trousers and swabs from my hands. 

 

I am begining to really dread  my next holiday . 

 

Is this normal or have I been unlucky? 

6 Comments

Hmmm

by The real Patch - 2018-06-15 18:11:27

I'm guessing you're really good looking. No matter how hard I try they won't grope me and I'm always envious of people getting manhandled.

Why don't you just walk through the security gate, most that'll happen is you set off the alarm and they frisk you...or grope in your case.

I agree with Patch

by LondonAndy - 2018-06-16 07:08:42

I always take my Pacemaker ID with me, just in case, but I just walk through the arch.  No ill effects.  I did trigger the arch at London Stansted airport last month, but then went through one of those "3d scanner" (I think) booths, which again was no problem. 

not at all normal

by Tracey_E - 2018-06-16 10:07:06

We can walk through the 3d scanners, they are xray.

Reviews are mixed if we can walk through the metal detectors but newer pacers do not set them off and the detectors won't hurt it so I walk through.

I've been paced since 1994 and fly at least once a month. I only started walking through with my newest one two years ago so I've had countless pat downs. TSA has always been very polite and professional. They go around the outside of the breasts, always say so first and use the back of their hands. They used to have my lift my foot but never touched it. I have TSAPreCheck now so I don't take my shoes off anymore. If you fly often, that is well worth the time and money. 

Not sure what the problem is here :-s

by Shaun - 2018-06-16 11:37:48

If it wasn’t for the stringent airport security checks on all passengers regardless of whether they have a pacemaker or not, there’s no way I’d ever consider getting on a plane.

TSA

by AgentX86 - 2018-06-16 21:24:27

When I got my PM, the Medtronic tech told me to always show the card.  He said the scanner wouldn't hurt me but the big dude tackeling me might.  ;-)  He said that there was enough titanium in it, placed perfectly, to look to the sensors just like a gun in a shoulder holster.  I haven't flown since but it's good to hear others' experience. 

Varies by airport

by Thegirlparaglider - 2018-06-18 13:54:44

My experience is that it varies by airport and by the security personnel.

I had one who insisted on touching my PM and feeling it... even though an showed the card.

I have had some who really do a thorough search too which is unacceptable and then I ask to see the team leader.

One security lady I spoke to said it depends on what you are wearing. On the day I was wearing a summer top with lace so they could see I wasn't hiding anything?!! 

I now tell them to be careful on my chest area and then they back off a little.

You know you're wired when...

Airport security gives you free massages.

Member Quotes

I had a pacemaker when I was 11. I never once thought I wasn't a 'normal kid' nor was I ever treated differently because of it. I could do everything all my friends were doing; I just happened to have a battery attached to my heart to help it work.