airport security

No cards  issued by the hospital where I had my op. When talking to one of the security staff they explained that those people with a card still have to go through the scanners. Most modern scanners are programmed to recognise implants, if not the hand held scanner shows it up PDQ. 

People with pacemakers are another matter as they cannot go through a scanner

I went through the detector at Stansted and didn't set it off ! ?

Hi Paul

Even if you have a card or letter they are still going to put you through scanner and pat you down in UK. I had a letter but didn't even bother to show it. If you are early on in recovery ask for special assistance at airports as it gets you through queues etc. I'm 13 weeks and away on hols now. Used it on way and will do on way back. You could have a long walk to the aircraft gate and long wait standing in a queue otherwise.

Have a great holiday.

Sandra

Wow what a brilliant response. Thank you to everyone who has posted. There are some great tales there. I guess THR's are fairly common nowadays so not unusual at airports.

I have bilat replacements. I just went thru and set alarm off. Quick scan then thru - no problem.. i'm not going to bother trying to get a card.

I have bilat replacements. I just went thru and set alarm off. Quick scan then thru - no problem.. i'm not going to bother trying to get a card.

I sometimes set off alarms, but not always. I just tell them about the hip when they are patting me down and using the wand thing. I was told that airport/ Eurostar staff would still have to check  you properly because of the terrorist threat. Have a great trip!

Hi Paul:  I asked for a card after my surgery, and was told they don't do that anymore.  So, I have a copy of my surgical report that I carry with me, along with a photo on my phone of the x-ray of my hip.  I went thru security twice this week at a courthouse and told them ahead of time I have an artifical hip.  She scanned me with her wand and sent me on my way.  Thought it would be a bigger deal (like I was ready to drop trou and show them my incision!) but as someone above said, apparently alot of us hippies are out there walking around so I guess it's fairly common place, at the courthouse anyhow.  Haven't tried an airport yet.  I think you'll be fine.  Best ~ Janet

Hi Paul, I'm 14 weeks post Op and have just come back from a holiday in the canaries, No problems at all at either airport and no paperwork required as proof, I asked the airline at point of booking and they advised it wasn't needed. Enjoy your holiday. X

I have flown twice a year for the last four years and have never been asked for a card.  My hip always sets off the security alarms.  Even Heathrow have not asked for a card. I have just mentioned it to them and they carry on scanning you.

 

I’ve flown several times since having my hip replaced 2 years ago. I’ve never had any problems with the X-ray machines (not a peep) and I don’t have any documentation either.  I have a titanium stick with a ceramic ball and expanded polyurethane cup. No one ever suggested I needed a card and I didn’t ask for one.