Totally NFR. Does anyone have any first hand knowledge of going through TSA with a breast prosthesis

M

maycee

Well-known member
I'm up in the frozen north of Minnesota for a surprise 60th birthday party for my sister (yesterday). She had her last chemo treatment in January for breast cancer. Her friends gave her a trip to Naples to visit her brother and warm up for a bit but she is concerned about going through airport security with her breast prosthesis.

I've known you guys (forever?) long enough to know that I can get a honest answer for her.

Thanks,

 
Don't know about the breast prothesis but I had a knee replacement. I used to buzz all the machines

but I don't buzz the new ones (where you hold your hands up high). If you have a TSA note which sends you through
the shorter line - they are usually older machines and will
buzz. You can ask to go thru the reg. line.
And if worst comes to worst - it is not terrible to go thru
the check - they go thru your hand luggage and go over you thoroughly with their hand machines. Just leave some
time.
I hope she is has a relaxing vacation and she certainly
should not worry about the security check.

 
My good friend just went through this process 2 years ago and has travelled uneventfully since. I

suspect that your concern is not about detection but perhaps of a situation in which your sister is patted down. ?

These things are pretty real feeling. I've never patted down my friend but I sure can't imagine anyone noticing a difference. I hope your sister's trip is uneventful as well and that she doesn't stress over this. Travel has enough stresses these days.

 
I have plate in my wrist and don't set it off. Just an FYI. Don't know about brst.

I hope you both have a wonderful visit.

 
Only in high alert

I have a 9 inch plate in my left forearm and the only time it set off any of the machines was when there was a high alert and evidently the machines were set a bit higher. Hasn't happened since. Maybe the machines are better.

 
Blessing to your sister, Michael. I can't help out with the prosthesis, but

if she's looking for a "good time" I can ship you my 4" square sample of granite and we'll re-route her through Asheville airport. Have her ask for TSA Agent Tammy Leigh.

 
My MIL just traveled for the first time since prosthesis, and had no trouble going thru security.

Hope you have a wonderful visit! smileys/smile.gif

 
Thank you! It really isn't the metal it's the gel in the prosthesis.

I think she may just pack it away in her checked luggage along with her hat. Her hair is growing back nicely now (she looks like Jamie Lee Curtis). Silly girl was worried about embarrassing her big brother...as if! So we talked that out and I think she decided to go without and proud! Hey, she is my sister!

Again, thanks and I'll let you know how it goes...we take off in 5 hours.

 
The link that Orchid provided noted that airlines suggest packing the prosthesis in carry-on. That

puzzled me but maybe they know better than anyone how often luggage is lost.

 
Have fun and enjoy the time. I am sure she will enjoy the rest and the change of environment. My

good friend is going through this now; (Note my posts above re: questions on shrimp / foil; avocado, etc) Your sis is ahead of my friend in her treatment, but is strong. Give her big hugs and pamper her with your cooking!!! : )

 
Big hugs to you and your sister

My mom just passed her 5 year mark after breast cancer and it's a good feeling to hit that landmark.

Hope you two have a wonderful visit!

 
She did set off an alarm. Might have been her own fault since she decided to finally become

a fuller figured woman now that it's her choice. She was patted down and had the full body scan. Her response: "Yeah, whatever" They also tested her hands for, I guess, bomb residue.

If she had mentioned her prosthesis to the agent that checked her boarding pass and id she would have been given a yellow card and could have avoided the body scan.

We are having a relaxing time and she is gaining a little weight...yay!

 
Michael! It says that in that link I gave you! Now why do I have such

a strong need to tell you to take a time out and go stand in the corner? ;0) Enjoy your time together.

 
Honestly, Michael...sis and I have got to meet up at the Asheville airport. I'm telling you...

We can have a three-way pat-down with TSA Tammy.

 
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