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Travel card

Posted , 10 users are following.

laura85375
laura85375

I'm sure this question has already been asked so sorry for the repetition.

I'm confused by the information online about whether we need to carry a card that describes our surgery, as we travel through airports.  I haven't needed one with shoulder replacement but not sure about hips.

Info seems to be different in different countries. I'm in UK. 

Laura 

3 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • heather717
    heather717 laura85375

    Posted

    Hi Laura, I have looked into this as I fly in a week. You can get a letter from your Dr but some charge.i was told from the travel agents that you do not need one as they have a new scanner that you go through and it scans you to show then your hip. Fast and easy she said but will find out in a week ha ha. I also have airport assistance that gets you on the plain first and help on the stairs. But you will be last off the plain. Hope this helps. X
  • Georgie11
    Georgie11 laura85375

    Posted

    I asked for a card from the surgeon but I don't think you have to have one. You just need to let them know you have one in case it sets off alarm. It will definitely show on body scanner. They're common these days!!!!

    👍

     

  • gillian18780
    gillian18780 laura85375

    Posted

    Hello Laura

    I was given a card but forgot to tkae it with me! No problems at either end, it did set the scanner off though.

  • lindag1
    lindag1 laura85375

    Posted

    Hi

    Not all airports have the new scanners but the metal they use for hips is unlikely to set the alarms off anyway. i'm sure that any paperwork from you hospital stay would be enough.... or just show them your scar!

  • val14381
    val14381 laura85375

    Posted

    I tried to get a card but my surgeon said they stopped doing them as it's an easy thing for terrorists to forge! I set off the alarm at Heathrow & a butch security guard whacked me over the hip & crutch with a wand despite me telling her I had recently had a THR. She then made me take off my shoes & gave me a complete fingertip search. In front of all the other passengers. I offered to show her my scar but she wasn't interested.

    Coming home thro Los Angeles they did a body scan, said "I see you have a hip replacement" & let me go through. 

     

  • laura85375
    laura85375

    Posted

    Thanks, sounds like no card required.  Once when the scanner went off I told them about my new shoulder and they said it was unlikely to have been that. They apparently automatically search a random number of people anyway.  It also depends on the sensitivity settings on the scanner. 

    I dont think I'll bother with seeking a card.  Thanks everyone.

    L

  • attractac
    attractac laura85375

    Posted

    Consultant told me I didn't need one but I think I will get gp letter just in case.
  • maggie93798
    maggie93798 laura85375

    Posted

    My hubby had his hip done 6 years ago, he sets off alarms at airports about 50% of the time. No card needed. Now we can set them off in tandem
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