Flying with a prosthesis

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KerryMac
KerryMac Member Posts: 3,529
edited June 2014 in Stage III Breast Cancer

I posted this on the Prosthesis thread and didn't get much advice, so thought I would swing the question past you guys - who has flown with a prosthesis, and what have you done?

I am flying for the first time since surgery this week, and with all of the TSA brouhaha, i am not sure how much hassle I am likely to get. I will remove it and fly lopsided if I have to, but would rather not if I can avoid it.

Any input welcome. Thanks. 

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  • momcat54
    momcat54 Member Posts: 2
    edited January 2011

    Hi Kerry- I just finished up with several flights at a couple of different airports.  I was pretty concerned with the TSA issue also, but had no problems.  I packed my prosthesis and my arm bandages in my carry on and went thru screening lopsided.  When I encountered the first TSA agent I explained I was carrying "medical equipment" in my carry on and could he suggest an appropriate screening line. Every time the agent suggested a line.  I opted to go the carry on route as I did not want to leave my carry on, laptop etc. and go to a separate screening area for a "pat down". I figured they could do what ever they wished with my foob, in my suitcase!  My bags went right thru the screening, no questions, no inspections, no delays.  Ditto for myself.  Had plenty of time to wrap my arm and reassemble prior to boarding the flight. Have a great trip!

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  • krcll
    krcll Member Posts: 343
    edited January 2011

    I have flown a fair amount with a prosthesis but mostly in Europe and only this summer to and in the the States. I had no problems at all. I know that doesn't help much but because you are wondering about the new TSA machines but do all the airports have them? Are you going on holiday? Have a great time!

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  • lorieg
    lorieg Member Posts: 802
    edited January 2011

    I have flown with mine several times since Thanksgiving.....no problems.

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  • GG27
    GG27 Member Posts: 2,128
    edited January 2011

    There was a woman in Calgary that was treated horribly because when asked if she had any gels she forgot to say she was wearing one, they sent her for special screening & called her a liar.  She was crying because it hurt so much to lift her arms.  It's becoming an embarrassment for the Canadian gov't. 

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  • jenn3
    jenn3 Member Posts: 3,316
    edited January 2011

    I haven't flown since the new rules have been in place, but from what I've read there have been some embarrassing situations.  If it were me, I'd go without my prosthesis and pack them in my carry on. 

    Sorry that I can't offer more help, but do hope that you and your family have a wonderful trip!

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  • KerryMac
    KerryMac Member Posts: 3,529
    edited January 2011

    Thank you everyone! We are leaving on Friday (Carribean Cruise!!) and I am very excited.

    I think I might just remove it before we go through security, then pop it back in on the other side. I am travelling with my children and In-laws, so the less fuss the better. However, there is that part of me that thinks I shouldn't have to!

    And Sherri, you are right - it is crappy that we even have to be worried about this...

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  • krcll
    krcll Member Posts: 343
    edited January 2011

    If it is a problem of gel, why don't you wear a fiberfill for the day? I'm fairly small like you are and a fiberfill looks just fine if the fabric of the top isn't too smooth. Carribean Cruise!! Wow!! We want a thorough report when you get back. Have a blast!

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  • KerryMac
    KerryMac Member Posts: 3,529
    edited January 2011

    Oh, that is a great idea! I never thought of that. I have my old one, I can easily wear for the flight, and keep my gel one in my carry-on. Or should I pack it in my luggage??

    Yep, the cruise should be loads of fun. It is a Disney one!

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  • krcll
    krcll Member Posts: 343
    edited January 2011

    What is the worst that could happen in a carry-on? Wouldn't they just have a look at it and put it back? That's how I imagine it, anyway. If they lost your luggage you would have to wear the fiberfill for the whole cruise with any sexy, little dresses you brought. But then again, your sexy, little dresses would be lost in the luggage as well. Oh, I don't know....

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  • chrissyb
    chrissyb Member Posts: 16,818
    edited January 2011

    I guess I'm a bit of a rebel because I would wear my prosthesis and if any questions were asked, I would just whip it out and throw it down onto the screening machine right in front of them.  I don't embarass easily and I can't stand people who try to lord it over me for whatever reason.  I do understand re safety issues while flying but I still believe that people can be polite and caring while doing their jobs.

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  • KerryMac
    KerryMac Member Posts: 3,529
    edited January 2011

    Ha ha Chrissy, you know, I was just saying to my husband that that is what I should do! Slap it out on the conveyor belt!

    You know, if I wasn't travelling with my family I might just have done that!

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  • Marple
    Marple Member Posts: 19,143
    edited January 2011

    The poor woman mfrog referred to simply forgot to tell them about the prosthesis. 

    http://www.ctvbc.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20110114/bc_airport_screening_fri_110114/20110114?hub=BritishColumbia

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  • hrf
    hrf Member Posts: 3,225
    edited January 2011

    I thought that situation in Calgary with the 82 year old woman was terrible. They could have at least taken her into a private room. I'd be horrified. I may choose not to fly again because I couldn't handle it.

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  • Jayne_in_UK
    Jayne_in_UK Member Posts: 517
    edited January 2011

    Kerry - sorry I cannot offer advice about flying with a prosthesis. Although I did have a prosthesis, and wore it to balance me out while my TE was bieng expanded, I didn't fly with it. This thread attracted my attention though and I just wanted to chime in and wish you a wonderdul cruise.

    Chrissyb - your post made me laugh. The first time I flew with my TE in I was wondering if there would be any issues when I went through security. In the past I have been pulled over for a public pat-down. I decided that if any questons were asked I would just pull up my top and show them. I don't embarass easily either these days :-)

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  • kimber3006
    kimber3006 Member Posts: 586
    edited January 2011

    Kerry - I was thinking the same as krcll - we smaller girls can wear plain foam pretty easily for short periods (before the tugging down of the bra drives us nuts).  We've been looking at the Disney cruises for the spring, too!  I can't wait to hear how your trip goes!

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  • DCMom
    DCMom Member Posts: 624
    edited January 2011

    Kerry,

    I can't wait to hear about your trip.  We've been tossing around the idea of a Disney trip for a while and I know your kids are about the same ages as mine.  Get ready to itemize suggestions for a great trip.

    Have an awesome time! 

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  • SoCalLisa
    SoCalLisa Member Posts: 13,961
    edited January 2011

    I am amazed at how funny people get about feeling a prosthesis..

    especially when it is just sitting there by itself

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  • krcll
    krcll Member Posts: 343
    edited January 2011

    Well, I remember when the nurse had me hold a prosthesis for the first time. I was so shocked by the weird consistence that I threw it back at her!

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  • jenn3
    jenn3 Member Posts: 3,316
    edited January 2011

    Disney seems to make everything fun........Kerry I can't wait to hear about your cruise, it sounds fantastic! 

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  • Pure
    Pure Member Posts: 1,796
    edited January 2011

    I am in Costa as we speak...I went through TSA without even know I went through the stupid machine. It was fine-totally.Your going to Orlando...It's super busy there you will be fine!!!!

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  • Let-It-Be
    Let-It-Be Member Posts: 325
    edited January 2011

    I hope the the checks are uneventful.  Orlando is busy.  Bring the strollers, get in the line with strollers (thank God for strollers!! You also get on the plane faster :) Hopefully there will be no issues.  Have loads of fun!!!

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  • 2Hands4me
    2Hands4me Member Posts: 484
    edited January 2011

    I've flown several times since Thanksgiving - no problems, no questions, no hassles. I have bilateral silicone prosthesis. I'm not sure I'd like the safety of carrying them in my carry-on in case they were poked or smashed by something or by TSA. If I didn't wear them (which I see no reason not to), I'd pack them safely and securely in checked luggage - realizing that TSA can check that too and may not realize how careful to be.

    Hope you enjoy a great trip!

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  • KerryMac
    KerryMac Member Posts: 3,529
    edited January 2011

    So, we are off tomorrow, I'm so excited!

    Unfortunately I got a Tummy Bug (it was not pretty) and have spent the last two days in bed. Even lost a couple of lb's - I will be able to pig-out on all the yummy cruise food guilt free!

    But, I have decided just to wear my prosthesis through the security, and see how it goes. It seems most people have had no issue at all. So fingers crossed all goes well, and I will give a full trip report once we get back!

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  • margyc
    margyc Member Posts: 2
    edited January 2011

    Hi Kerry,

    I travel often and have never had a problem. I've been patted down and no one has ever noticed or questioned me about my prosthesis. I've had one for 14 years. I've been pulled aside because I had a Harry Potter puppet that I purchased as a gift! Makes you wonder... 

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