Re: avoiding airport hassles

[Guest guest]

I have a card from the hospital saying I had a TKR that I am to carry from now on.

KeimSee what's new at AOL.com and Make AOL Your Homepage.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 10/30/2007 7:10:07 AM Eastern Daylight Time, po382@... writes:

Has anyone been through this and have any suggestions?

Yes...you will have to go through that for the rest of your life! My Dr gave me a card to give the airport people....it doesn't keep them from doing the scan or pat down, but it just shows them you really have a knee replacement....also, if you show it to the first security person you come to at the very beginning of the line, they might let you cut into the front of the line.....

See what's new at AOL.com and Make AOL Your Homepage.

[Guest guest]

Hi Peg:I am scheduled for total hip replacement surgery this Friday. I was told that there is a card (or letter) that can be issued that verifies that you have an implant that airport officials will accept. But from what I understand they still will scan you manually with a metal detector. Talk to the surgeon.Ellen in TorontoPeg Nichols <po382@...> wrote: Is there any way to ease/shorten the difficulty of getting through airport surveillance portals? Last week I flew for the first time since knee surgery on

June 11. When I set off the alarms at the Tulsa airport I was shuttled into a separate fenced area. They used a wand, which did buzz when swept near my knee. But then they "patted" me down pretty much all over. Took a good ten minutes, fortunately there was not a crowd at the time. Departing at the Phoenix airport I set off the alarms again. I was given the choice of being "patted down" or going through the "radio scanner." I chose the scanner thing, hoping it would be quicker. The scanner was a tall, oval-shaped thing with glass walls. I had to step inside and put my feet on the foot-shapes on the rug. I was supposed to raise my hands in the air. I tried that, but felt out-of- balance, so I put my hands on my head, and was immediately told that my hands could not touch my head. Then turn sideways. After I was allowed to step out of the capsule, I was still "patted down" extensively around

the rear pockets of my trousers, where I had stashed some dollar bills (for easy accessibility when needing to tip the shuttle driver). The whole thing took a good twenty minutes, fortunately once again, there was not a waiting crowd. Has anyone been through this and have any suggestions? Peg Nichols

[Guest guest]

Unfortunately there is no way to avoid this. No notes from your

surgeon, no picture of your implant, no card that say's you have

metal. I have not gone through it yet but have been told many times

that if you just let them know before you get to the scanner that

you will be setting off the alarm it saves time. They will take you

off to the side right away. I would rather be patted down than go

through whatever radio thing it was that you had to go through.

Deb

>

> Is there any way to ease/shorten the difficulty of getting through

> airport surveillance portals?

>

> Last week I flew for the first time since knee surgery on June 11.

> When I set off the alarms at the Tulsa airport I was shuttled into

a

> separate fenced area. They used a wand, which did buzz when swept

> near my knee. But then they " patted " me down pretty much all over.

> Took a good ten minutes, fortunately there was not a crowd at the

> time.

>

> Departing at the Phoenix airport I set off the alarms again. I was

> given the choice of being " patted down " or going through

the " radio

> scanner. " I chose the scanner thing, hoping it would be quicker.

The

> scanner was a tall, oval-shaped thing with glass walls. I had to

> step inside and put my feet on the foot-shapes on the rug. I was

> supposed to raise my hands in the air. I tried that, but felt out-

of-

> balance, so I put my hands on my head, and was immediately told

that

> my hands could not touch my head. Then turn sideways.

>

> After I was allowed to step out of the capsule, I was

still " patted

> down " extensively around the rear pockets of my trousers, where I

> had stashed some dollar bills (for easy accessibility when needing

> to tip the shuttle driver).

>

> The whole thing took a good twenty minutes, fortunately once

again,

> there was not a waiting crowd.

>

> Has anyone been through this and have any suggestions?

>

> Peg Nichols

>

[Guest guest]

20 minutes is unusual, based on my experience. Even 10 seems like a

long time. I've flown many times with fake hips and

my " examinations " have never taken that long. I have never

considered the procedure " difficult " as you put it, even when the

lines were long. YOu'll just have to get used to it because it'll be

a fact of life from now on. No documents from a doctor will hurry

things up. Tips that might help: before you go thru the walk-thro

detector, tell the attendant that you have metal hips or knees or

whatever; empty your pockets of all metal, don't wear any jewelry

(put it in your xrayed bag). Opt for clothing without metal such as

rivets in jeans, underwire bras, belts with metal buckles. All this

stuff just slows them down because they must investigate everything.

Once I had a piece of gum in my pocket wrapped in foil. They wanted

to see it!

My biggest worry is that I might abandon my stuff that's going thru

the xray machine and someone will steal it while I'm being wanded.

However I usually travel with a companion. He goes ahead of me in

the line so he can collect all our things and wait for me.

>

> Is there any way to ease/shorten the difficulty of getting through

> airport surveillance portals?

>

> Last week I flew for the first time since knee surgery on June 11.

> When I set off the alarms at the Tulsa airport I was shuttled into

a

> separate fenced area. They used a wand, which did buzz when swept

> near my knee. But then they " patted " me down pretty much all over.

> Took a good ten minutes, fortunately there was not a crowd at the

> time.

>

> Departing at the Phoenix airport I set off the alarms again. I was

> given the choice of being " patted down " or going through the " radio

> scanner. " I chose the scanner thing, hoping it would be quicker.

The

> scanner was a tall, oval-shaped thing with glass walls. I had to

> step inside and put my feet on the foot-shapes on the rug. I was

> supposed to raise my hands in the air. I tried that, but felt out-

of-

> balance, so I put my hands on my head, and was immediately told

that

> my hands could not touch my head. Then turn sideways.

>

> After I was allowed to step out of the capsule, I was still " patted

> down " extensively around the rear pockets of my trousers, where I

> had stashed some dollar bills (for easy accessibility when needing

> to tip the shuttle driver).

>

> The whole thing took a good twenty minutes, fortunately once again,

> there was not a waiting crowd.

>

> Has anyone been through this and have any suggestions?

>

> Peg Nichols

>

[Guest guest]

My Dr. told me -- wear loose pants or since I'm female a skirt. Tell the

airport security you have knee replacements and show them those scars. Or

in my words flash 'em those knees.

Now if you are talking hip replacment that could be a " bad " thing to flash

them lol. Have you ask airport security what you can do?

We fly with pounds of jewelry in carry on bags. Just talked with the

security people and was told what they needed/wanted from us to ensure our

safety and the screening of our carry on bags. Also have some items that

will set off the machines like fireworks, the view screens have sparks

glowing and shooting in the picture of our luggage (really pretty) but those

guys don't have a sense of humor again, tell them BEFORE things start

happening, ask them what you can do.

Gloria

[Guest guest]

Not really. I always tell them as I'm going through the portal that I have a knee replacement and I will set off the machine. But I always spend some time separated from the crowd with them wanding me then looking at the bottom of my feet and patting me down. I think we just have to accept this inconvenience and know to arrive a little earlier than most people because of it. I know the worst wait for me was because they had to use a female security person and I had to wait for one to show up (Orlando airport.)

I'll be flying again in late November and I expect it all over again. I usually make sure to wear something easy to show them my knee. I guess I am willing to deal with this as I'm no longer in pain.

-----Original Message-----From: Joint Replacement [mailto:Joint Replacement ]On Behalf Of Peg NicholsSent: Monday, October 29, 2007 11:50 PMJoint Replacement Subject: avoiding airport hassles

Is there any way to ease/shorten the difficulty of getting through airport surveillance portals?Last week I flew for the first time since knee surgery on June 11. When I set off the alarms at the Tulsa airport I was shuttled into a separate fenced area. They used a wand, which did buzz when swept near my knee. But then they "patted" me down pretty much all over. Took a good ten minutes, fortunately there was not a crowd at the time.Departing at the Phoenix airport I set off the alarms again. I was given the choice of being "patted down" or going through the "radio scanner." I chose the scanner thing, hoping it would be quicker. The scanner was a tall, oval-shaped thing with glass walls. I had to step inside and put my feet on the foot-shapes on the rug. I was supposed to raise my hands in the air. I tried that, but felt out-of-balance, so I put my hands on my head, and was immediately told that my hands could not touch my head. Then turn sideways.After I was allowed to step out of the capsule, I was still "patted down" extensively around the rear pockets of my trousers, where I had stashed some dollar bills (for easy accessibility when needing to tip the shuttle driver).The whole thing took a good twenty minutes, fortunately once again, there was not a waiting crowd.Has anyone been through this and have any suggestions?Peg Nichols

[Guest guest]

My experience is more or less as 's, it does not help the

slightest to tell about your implant and showing any certificates and

images even that you may have as proof does not help either. All you

hear them say is (almost a little irritated): just go through the port!

And of course this leads to the alarm and further checking. It is has

become natural these to be mistrusted, whatever you tell or show at

these places.

Ron van Mierlo

RH BHR 2007-01-23 Dr. De Smet

DeRouen skrev:

> Not really. I always tell them as I'm going through the portal that I

> have a knee replacement and I will set off the machine. But I always

> spend some time separated from the crowd with them wanding me then

> looking at the bottom of my feet and patting me down. I think we just

> have to accept this inconvenience and know to arrive a little earlier

> than most people because of it. I know the worst wait for me was

> because they had to use a female security person and I had to wait for

> one to show up (Orlando airport.)

>

> I'll be flying again in late November and I expect it all over again.

> I usually make sure to wear something easy to show them my knee. I

> guess I am willing to deal with this as I'm no longer in pain.

>

>

>

>

> * avoiding airport hassles

>

> Is there any way to ease/shorten the difficulty of getting through

> airport surveillance portals?

>

> Last week I flew for the first time since knee surgery on June 11.

> When I set off the alarms at the Tulsa airport I was shuttled into a

> separate fenced area. They used a wand, which did buzz when swept

> near my knee. But then they " patted " me down pretty much all over.

> Took a good ten minutes, fortunately there was not a crowd at the

> time.

>

> Departing at the Phoenix airport I set off the alarms again. I was

> given the choice of being " patted down " or going through the " radio

> scanner. " I chose the scanner thing, hoping it would be quicker. The

> scanner was a tall, oval-shaped thing with glass walls. I had to

> step inside and put my feet on the foot-shapes on the rug. I was

> supposed to raise my hands in the air. I tried that, but felt out-of-

> balance, so I put my hands on my head, and was immediately told that

> my hands could not touch my head. Then turn sideways.

>

> After I was allowed to step out of the capsule, I was still " patted

> down " extensively around the rear pockets of my trousers, where I

> had stashed some dollar bills (for easy accessibility when needing

> to tip the shuttle driver).

>

> The whole thing took a good twenty minutes, fortunately once again,

> there was not a waiting crowd.

>

> Has anyone been through this and have any suggestions?

>

> Peg Nichols

>

>

[Guest guest]

On 10/30/2007 5:33:22 AM, keimm43@... wrote:

> I have a card from the hospital saying I had a TKR that I am to carry from

According to most airports, doctors, etc. the card means nothing to security

of any kind. Think of it this way, the bad guys " know " that if they have a

card, machine sounds the alarm and they would just be waved thru the

security area, those bad guys and gals would be printing off those cards by

the dozens and strapping weapons to their knees and hips.

If I worked that security portage I sure would not believe that card and

think you will find that most want alot more proof.

Gloria

[Guest guest]

Hi

I had my THR coming up on 3 years now and I travel by air alot - for business and pleasure too. The gave me a card when I left the hospital, but TSA doesn't pay any attention to it. As one gal said - I could always forge it - yeah sure. So expect to be pulled aside and wanded down. It's really not a big deal - just be sure and try and keep an eye on your things that are still on the conveyor belt.

I am glad that they are so thorough - the scary thing is that the cruise ships sensors aren't nearly as sensitive - when you get back on the ship after a day ashore you have to go thru their security procedure - and never once have I triggered the alarm - whereas at the airports there are bells and whistles going off all over the place. Another heads up - I felt that the security personnel in the foreign countries were far more thorough than the ones in the states.

Barbara

Barbara Dail, MAS

The Creative Solution

http://www.tcsolutions.com

800-922-0671

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From: Joint Replacement [mailto:Joint Replacement ] On Behalf Of EllenSent: Tuesday, October 30, 2007 4:43 AMJoint Replacement Subject: Re: avoiding airport hassles

Hi Peg:I am scheduled for total hip replacement surgery this Friday. I was told that there is a card (or letter) that can be issued that verifies that you have an implant that airport officials will accept. But from what I understand they still will scan you manually with a metal detector. Talk to the surgeon.Ellen in TorontoPeg Nichols <po382@...> wrote:

Is there any way to ease/shorten the difficulty of getting through airport surveillance portals?Last week I flew for the first time since knee surgery on June 11. When I set off the alarms at the Tulsa airport I was shuttled into a separate fenced area. They used a wand, which did buzz when swept near my knee. But then they "patted" me down pretty much all over. Took a good ten minutes, fortunately there was not a crowd at the time.Departing at the Phoenix airport I set off the alarms again. I was given the choice of being "patted down" or going through the "radio scanner." I chose the scanner thing, hoping it would be quicker. The scanner was a tall, oval-shaped thing with glass walls. I had to step inside and put my feet on the foot-shapes on the rug. I was supposed to raise my hands in the air. I tried that, but felt out-of-balance, so I put my hands on my head, and was immediately told that my hands could not touch my head. Then turn sideways.After I was allowed to step out of the capsule, I was still "patted down" extensively around the rear pockets of my trousers, where I had stashed some dollar bills (for easy accessibility when needing to tip the shuttle driver).The whole thing took a good twenty minutes, fortunately once again, there was not a waiting crowd.Has anyone been through this and have any suggestions?Peg Nichols

[Guest guest]

I just avoid flying!

I would tell them about my hips and shoulders. Always got the pat

down. Very glad I had my husband to watch the bags that go through

the scanner and are left there for whoever gets them!

I had a skort on and they pulled TWO women off the line to pat me

down in a curtained off area. Really made me feel safe when who

knows what was missed on the scanner belt.

I am a bit bitter about it all. I can not do any harm with all the

limits of joint replacements. I have to hold on to lift my pant legs

and I can not hold both arms out at the same time. It is the one

time that I don't feel " normal " .

Don't touch anything, don't say more than " I have joint replacements "

and try to act normal. I have had understanding people and people

who were not.

Thank goodness the " guys " that run the scanners at the courthouses

know me. If I don't set it off, they worry.

Thanks for letting me vent too!

Sue

>

> My Dr. told me -- wear loose pants or since I'm female a skirt.

Tell the

> airport security you have knee replacements and show them those

scars. Or

> in my words flash 'em those knees.

>

> Now if you are talking hip replacment that could be a " bad " thing

to flash

> them lol. Have you ask airport security what you can do?

>

> We fly with pounds of jewelry in carry on bags. Just talked with

the

> security people and was told what they needed/wanted from us to

ensure our

> safety and the screening of our carry on bags. Also have some

items that

> will set off the machines like fireworks, the view screens have

sparks

> glowing and shooting in the picture of our luggage (really pretty)

but those

> guys don't have a sense of humor again, tell them BEFORE things

start

> happening, ask them what you can do.

>

> Gloria

>

[Guest guest]

I know this sounds corny, but if you are a woman and demand a man pat

you down or a man and demand a woman pat you down, they tend to

shuttle you through faster because you are a pain. You could also

demand a supervisor pat you down because the FOOLS are too stupid to

realize that a scanner triggering at the knees means implants not a

bomb. It works for me.

Alan in NJ.

> >

> > Is there any way to ease/shorten the difficulty of getting through

> > airport surveillance portals?

> >

> > Last week I flew for the first time since knee surgery on June 11.

> > When I set off the alarms at the Tulsa airport I was shuttled into

> a

> > separate fenced area. They used a wand, which did buzz when swept

> > near my knee. But then they " patted " me down pretty much all over.

> > Took a good ten minutes, fortunately there was not a crowd at the

> > time.

> >

> > Departing at the Phoenix airport I set off the alarms again. I was

> > given the choice of being " patted down " or going through

> the " radio

> > scanner. " I chose the scanner thing, hoping it would be quicker.

> The

> > scanner was a tall, oval-shaped thing with glass walls. I had to

> > step inside and put my feet on the foot-shapes on the rug. I was

> > supposed to raise my hands in the air. I tried that, but felt out-

> of-

> > balance, so I put my hands on my head, and was immediately told

> that

> > my hands could not touch my head. Then turn sideways.

> >

> > After I was allowed to step out of the capsule, I was

> still " patted

> > down " extensively around the rear pockets of my trousers, where I

> > had stashed some dollar bills (for easy accessibility when needing

> > to tip the shuttle driver).

> >

> > The whole thing took a good twenty minutes, fortunately once

> again,

> > there was not a waiting crowd.

> >

> > Has anyone been through this and have any suggestions?

> >

> > Peg Nichols

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I've never posted here before but will today. This hassle at the airport was never there before 9/11. I never got checked. I was told that the machines are much more sensitive now. It has never been a problem and I dislike taking the time to take off my shoes more than the pat down!

MarkeySee what's new at AOL.com and Make AOL Your Homepage.

[Guest guest]

I know that you can get a card that has a pic of your xray of your

knee, but I think that after 9-11 it don't matter what you carry or

show, if you set off alrams you are going to get patted down. I have

been patted down by more men in the US then my gay friends....

Gene

>

> Is there any way to ease/shorten the difficulty of getting through

> airport surveillance portals?

>

> Last week I flew for the first time since knee surgery on June 11.

> When I set off the alarms at the Tulsa airport I was shuttled into

a

> separate fenced area. They used a wand, which did buzz when swept

> near my knee. But then they " patted " me down pretty much all over.

> Took a good ten minutes, fortunately there was not a crowd at the

> time.

>

> Departing at the Phoenix airport I set off the alarms again. I was

> given the choice of being " patted down " or going through the " radio

> scanner. " I chose the scanner thing, hoping it would be quicker.

The

> scanner was a tall, oval-shaped thing with glass walls. I had to

> step inside and put my feet on the foot-shapes on the rug. I was

> supposed to raise my hands in the air. I tried that, but felt out-

of-

> balance, so I put my hands on my head, and was immediately told

that

> my hands could not touch my head. Then turn sideways.

>

> After I was allowed to step out of the capsule, I was still " patted

> down " extensively around the rear pockets of my trousers, where I

> had stashed some dollar bills (for easy accessibility when needing

> to tip the shuttle driver).

>

> The whole thing took a good twenty minutes, fortunately once again,

> there was not a waiting crowd.

>

> Has anyone been through this and have any suggestions?

>

> Peg Nichols

>

[Guest guest]

I have 5 metal plates and now one THR, it don't matter if you show

them the scars, they still pat you down, but it is good to tell

them up front that you have implants, but expect to get patter

down.....I have been complaining that I want women to pat me down,

but they dont seem to think that is a good idea.......mmmmmmmm

gene

>

> My Dr. told me -- wear loose pants or since I'm female a skirt.

Tell the

> airport security you have knee replacements and show them those

scars. Or

> in my words flash 'em those knees.

>

> Now if you are talking hip replacment that could be a " bad " thing

to flash

> them lol. Have you ask airport security what you can do?

>

> We fly with pounds of jewelry in carry on bags. Just talked with

the

> security people and was told what they needed/wanted from us to

ensure our

> safety and the screening of our carry on bags. Also have some

items that

> will set off the machines like fireworks, the view screens have

sparks

> glowing and shooting in the picture of our luggage (really pretty)

but those

> guys don't have a sense of humor again, tell them BEFORE things

start

> happening, ask them what you can do.

>

> Gloria

>

[Guest guest]

>

> Hi,

>

> I've never posted here before but will today. This hassle at the

airport was

> never there before 9/11. I never got checked. I was told that the

machines

> are much more sensitive now. It has never been a problem and I

dislike taking

> the time to take off my shoes more than the pat down!

>

> Markey

>

>

>

> ************************************** See what's new at

http://www.aol.com

>

Hi all,

Well I am going in for another hip job, left this time. I had the

first Jan,05. I still have pain, but, it is in the thigh area of my

right leg. Anybody have similar pain.

As far as airport security. I am a pilot for a major airline, with the

uniform, company ID card and the whole kit and kaboodle and I still

get major hassles. Apparently it doesn't matter, as I definitely do

not look the 911 type, pure white boy here.

I surely would not wish this crap on my worst enemy.

Tim

[Guest guest]

Ladies and Gentlemen of the forum:

I really have no idea why people should consider airport security such a " hassle " . Living in Israel, I've been going through the same searches for the past 40 years, long before 9/11 and long before my hip replacements. We had to be at the airport 3 hours before flight time back in the early 1970s, and go through much the same process as you do now in the US, but back then it was without the benefit of today's hi-tech accessories.

Everyone was patted down-- and I mean everyone-- men, women, government officials, judges, policemen, members of parliament... everyone, bar none (there were, of course, women security personnel from the start). Carry-on bags were searched by hand and if the security person had suspicions, they might ask you to empty your pockets, too.

Is the security check a bother? Yes, it can be, but remember, it's for YOUR safety... is there anyone on this forum who wouldn't be more upset if they were not searched and the plane was hijacked or blown up during their flight?

By the way, US security is among the worst, and it seems to me that they have little to no idea what they're doing or what they're looking for.

Tim, what does a " 911 type " look like? Please enlighten us, since in Israel we've found all sorts, including blond, blue-eyed Aussie girls carrying explosives and acting as messengers for terrorists. Did you know that there are also blond, fair-skinned and light-eyed Arabs?

RTHR-2003; LTHR-2004

On 11/2/07, jettrash62 <jettrash62@...> wrote:

>> Hi,

> > I've never posted here before but will today. This hassle at theairport was > never there before 9/11. I never got checked. I was told that themachines > are much more sensitive now. It has never been a problem and I

dislike taking > the time to take off my shoes more than the pat down!> > Markey> > > > ************************************** See what's new at

http://www.aol.com>Hi all,Well I am going in for another hip job, left this time. I had thefirst Jan,05. I still have pain, but, it is in the thigh area of myright leg. Anybody have similar pain.

As far as airport security. I am a pilot for a major airline, with theuniform, company ID card and the whole kit and kaboodle and I stillget major hassles. Apparently it doesn't matter, as I definitely do

not look the 911 type, pure white boy here. I surely would not wish this crap on my worst enemy.Tim

..

[Guest guest]

, you are so right. We forget that in some parts of the

world, living with the possibility of terrorists lurking around any

corner is and has been a way of life for many years. We could take a

lesson from Israel, stop complaining about the inconvenience and

live our lives in spite of it. And yes,terrorists aren't always

easily recognized by their appearance.

Deb

> > >

> > > Hi,

> > >

> > > I've never posted here before but will today. This hassle at

the

> > airport was

> > > never there before 9/11. I never got checked. I was told that

the

> > machines

> > > are much more sensitive now. It has never been a problem and I

> > dislike taking

> > > the time to take off my shoes more than the pat down!

> > >

> > > Markey

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > ************************************** See what's new at

> > http://www.aol.com

> > >

> > Hi all,

> >

> > Well I am going in for another hip job, left this time. I had the

> > first Jan,05. I still have pain, but, it is in the thigh area of

my

> > right leg. Anybody have similar pain.

> >

> > As far as airport security. I am a pilot for a major airline,

with the

> > uniform, company ID card and the whole kit and kaboodle and I

still

> > get major hassles. Apparently it doesn't matter, as I definitely

do

> > not look the 911 type, pure white boy here.

> >

> > I surely would not wish this crap on my worst enemy.

> >

> > Tim

> >

> > .

> >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Tim,

I still have the pain I had before my '96 surgery. Also a lot of muscle weakness that continues to get worse. I've learned that I've had 2-3 other things going on and everything was blamed on the OA/surgery in that hip. The pain that I had long, long before the surgery did not get diagnosed (despite many OS, PT sessions, neurologists, chiropractors, etc.) until a few years ago-ITBS (Iliotibual band sydrome), a very common sports condition.

So be sure that things other than OA aren't going on as well.

Markey

Well I am going in for another hip job, left this time. I had thefirst Jan,05. I still have pain, but, it is in the thigh area of myright leg. Anybody have similar pain.

See what's new at AOL.com and Make AOL Your Homepage.

[Guest guest]

I used to be a stewardess, and I couldn't agree with you more! All

this 'hassle' is for your own safety. So take it easy and don't

complain!

Maarit

> > >

> > > Hi,

> > >

> > > I've never posted here before but will today. This hassle at the

> > airport was

> > > never there before 9/11. I never got checked. I was told that

the

> > machines

> > > are much more sensitive now. It has never been a problem and I

> > dislike taking

> > > the time to take off my shoes more than the pat down!

> > >

> > > Markey

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > ************************************** See what's new at

> > http://www.aol.com

> > >

> > Hi all,

> >

> > Well I am going in for another hip job, left this time. I had the

> > first Jan,05. I still have pain, but, it is in the thigh area of

my

> > right leg. Anybody have similar pain.

> >

> > As far as airport security. I am a pilot for a major airline,

with the

> > uniform, company ID card and the whole kit and kaboodle and I

still

> > get major hassles. Apparently it doesn't matter, as I definitely

do

> > not look the 911 type, pure white boy here.

> >

> > I surely would not wish this crap on my worst enemy.

> >

> > Tim

> >

> > .

> >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I would much rather have everyone checked. Just checking people who

set off the alarms is not making me feel safe. Is anyone who is

really trying to blow up a plane going to set off alarms? Maybe they

could pass through with no problem by following a joint replacement

person!

I feel profiled!

Sue

> > >

> > > Hi,

> > >

> > > I've never posted here before but will today. This hassle at the

> > airport was

> > > never there before 9/11. I never got checked. I was told that

the

> > machines

> > > are much more sensitive now. It has never been a problem and I

> > dislike taking

> > > the time to take off my shoes more than the pat down!

> > >

> > > Markey

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > ************************************** See what's new at

> > http://www.aol.com

> > >

> > Hi all,

> >

> > Well I am going in for another hip job, left this time. I had the

> > first Jan,05. I still have pain, but, it is in the thigh area of

my

> > right leg. Anybody have similar pain.

> >

> > As far as airport security. I am a pilot for a major airline,

with the

> > uniform, company ID card and the whole kit and kaboodle and I

still

> > get major hassles. Apparently it doesn't matter, as I definitely

do

> > not look the 911 type, pure white boy here.

> >

> > I surely would not wish this crap on my worst enemy.

> >

> > Tim

> >

> > .

> >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Sue:

First off, feeling " profiled " is silly. Don't ever think that-- think that those buzzes signify that you got your life back.

To answer your questions, if security personnel let two people go through close enough so that one " covers " the other, the security is worthless anyway. The whole point of the metal detector gates is to examine people individually. Even the dumbest security guard learns that.

Now for my opinion about airline security and its effectiveness in the US (unfortunately, I learned a lot more about this than I know, since an Israeli company involved in training one of the US airport security companies contracted me to translate all their training manuals from Hebrew to English last year):

The metal detector is more of a convenience than a definitive tool. All it does is narrow down the number of people who must be patted down, and it's not the only criteria for deciding to pat someone down.

The most important part of the security check is the little " interview " with the security person while you're waiting in line. Those annoying little questions-- " Did you pack your bag yourself? " ; Has the bag been under your control since you packed the bag? " ; " Did anyone give you something to deliver to someone at your destination? " and all the rest are the most important thing.

Answer honestly, make eye contact and be firm and confident in your answers. The questioners are looking at your body language as much as they're listening to your answers.

While no system is perfect, the Israeli methods developed over the years (and taking advantage of tech developments as they happen-- in the 70s, everyone was patted down and the security people went through your carry-ons physically-- including purses) have proven themselves successful (zero airplane hijackings) and they work, even though some members of the Israeli Parliament have taken exception to being checked-- Benyamin Netanyahu relied on his status as a Parliament member and former Prime Minister to " exempt him from the search, showing up a half-hour before flight time, and missed his plane because of his arrogance.

Flying out of Heathrow last year, there was a security alert, and the lines were long (and the security personnel terribly inefficient), so I went to a ground stewardess with my letter from the medical Center, and she put me on the VIP line. Guess what? I was almost the only non-Arab, and no one was searched or questioned in the usual manner. The Brits were afraid of " insulting " rich Arabs, something that should have gone by the board when Osama bin-Laden showed up as the leader of Al Qaeda. Thankfully, I was the only person on the VIP line going to Israel on the BA flight.

These searches are for your benefit, and if they take time, that's part of the price of being safer.

RTHR-2003; LTHR-2004

On 11/3/07, Sue <tubbs8695@...> wrote:

I would much rather have everyone checked. Just checking people who set off the alarms is not making me feel safe. Is anyone who is really trying to blow up a plane going to set off alarms? Maybe they could pass through with no problem by following a joint replacement person!I feel profiled! Sue>> Ladies and Gentlemen of the forum:> > I really have no idea why people should consider airport security such a> " hassle " . Living in Israel, I've been going through the same searches for> the past 40 years, long before 9/11 and long before my hip replacements. We> had to be at the airport 3 hours before flight time back in the early 1970s,> and go through much the same process as you do now in the US, but back then> it was without the benefit of today's hi-tech accessories.> > Everyone was patted down-- and I mean everyone-- men, women, government> officials, judges, policemen, members of parliament... everyone, bar none> (there were, of course, women security personnel from the start). Carry-on> bags were searched by hand and if the security person had suspicions, they> might ask you to empty your pockets, too.> > Is the security check a bother? Yes, it can be, but remember, it's for YOUR> safety... is there anyone on this forum who wouldn't be more upset if they> were not searched and the plane was hijacked or blown up during their> flight?> > By the way, US security is among the worst, and it seems to me that they> have little to no idea what they're doing or what they're looking for.> > Tim, what does a " 911 type " look like? Please enlighten us, since in Israel> we've found all sorts, including blond, blue-eyed Aussie girls carrying> explosives and acting as messengers for terrorists. Did you know that there> are also blond, fair-skinned and light-eyed Arabs?> > > RTHR-2003; LTHR-2004

..

[Guest guest]

Airport security conducts several types of checks: of the person,

what he carries and what he has carried for him in the hold of the

plane. The metal detector that you walk through is the part where

security checks the person (and by definition, what he is wearing or

has in his pockets). For most people the walk-thru detector detects

nothing. This saves a whole lot of time because they don't need to

spend 5 or 10 minutes frisking every passenger. Be glad you're not

flying El Al. When you do, you will definitely feel " profiled "

because they begin with the assumption that you ARE a terrorist or a

hijacker who is up to no good. They even have security officers who

walk around and watch the passengers, seeking those who might fit

the " profile " of a terrorist or hijacker. So, even if you clear

security, you are being watched. So far as security goes, El Al is

the safest airline in the world.

However many Americans chafe at this level of security.

I've flown dozens of times with metal hips and have a hard time

seeing why you would object to TSA inspection. I have never

encountered anything but courtesy. I've never been delayed in

security long enough to miss a flight. As a matter of fact, the few

times when my hips didn't set off the detector were more troublesome

to me than being detected. It's just a part of having a piece of

metal implanted in your body that is about the same size as a gun and

large enough to set off the alarm.

> > > >

> > > > Hi,

> > > >

> > > > I've never posted here before but will today. This hassle at

the

> > > airport was

> > > > never there before 9/11. I never got checked. I was told that

> the

> > > machines

> > > > are much more sensitive now. It has never been a problem and I

> > > dislike taking

> > > > the time to take off my shoes more than the pat down!

> > > >

> > > > Markey

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > ************************************** See what's new at

> > > http://www.aol.com

> > > >

> > > Hi all,

> > >

> > > Well I am going in for another hip job, left this time. I had

the

> > > first Jan,05. I still have pain, but, it is in the thigh area

of

> my

> > > right leg. Anybody have similar pain.

> > >

> > > As far as airport security. I am a pilot for a major airline,

> with the

> > > uniform, company ID card and the whole kit and kaboodle and I

> still

> > > get major hassles. Apparently it doesn't matter, as I

definitely

> do

> > > not look the 911 type, pure white boy here.

> > >

> > > I surely would not wish this crap on my worst enemy.

> > >

> > > Tim

> > >

> > > .

> > >

> > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I second what has said. It is unfortunate that a few can ruin

it for many.

I want to fine tune the idea of who these terrorist are. I hope you

won't think me politically incorrect or a racist. It is quite simple

actually. You/We the media all use this word terrorist but that word

is vague. It is a tactic if you please. One man's terrorist is

another man's brave fighter. I ask you, who did we fight in Europe in

WWII? Did we call them terrorist only. No we called them Nazis or

Germans. What I am getting at is that in this day and age we don't

for some reason know who the enemy is. I will give you a hint. It is

not a race of people. Or a country. It is a belief system. It is Islam.

Now I know when I mention this I get a lot of people saying that it is

not so. Or I am a racist or bigot or worse. I am not trying to start

a flame war and will not respond to attacks just wanted you all to

think about it.

I apologize for being OT but I think it is very important and that our

western way of life is under attack and we are blind to who the enemy

is and what he wants to do. If you want to talk about this off this

forum you can post me privately. I will give you some links and tell

you what I have learned about this subject. Just title the email

'Replacement War' so I won't accidentally delete it.

Don

>

> Ladies and Gentlemen of the forum:

>

> I really have no idea why people should consider airport security such a

> " hassle " . Living in Israel, I've been going through the same

searches for

> the past 40 years, long before 9/11 and long before my hip

replacements. We

> had to be at the airport 3 hours before flight time back in the

early 1970s,

> and go through much the same process as you do now in the US, but

back then

> it was without the benefit of today's hi-tech accessories.

>

> Everyone was patted down-- and I mean everyone-- men, women, government

> officials, judges, policemen, members of parliament... everyone, bar

none

> (there were, of course, women security personnel from the start).

Carry-on

> bags were searched by hand and if the security person had

suspicions, they

> might ask you to empty your pockets, too.

>

> Is the security check a bother? Yes, it can be, but remember, it's

for YOUR

> safety... is there anyone on this forum who wouldn't be more upset

if they

> were not searched and the plane was hijacked or blown up during their

> flight?

>

> By the way, US security is among the worst, and it seems to me that they

> have little to no idea what they're doing or what they're looking for.

>

> Tim, what does a " 911 type " look like? Please enlighten us, since

in Israel

> we've found all sorts, including blond, blue-eyed Aussie girls carrying

> explosives and acting as messengers for terrorists. Did you know

that there

> are also blond, fair-skinned and light-eyed Arabs?

>

>

> RTHR-2003; LTHR-2004

[Guest guest]

Sorry to have to tell you, but this is what they do - they use the

wand and they pat you down - I have only flown a few times and I don't

particularly like it either, but this is a fact of life post 9/11. My

doctor told me to warn them before going through the metal detector,

" I have knee replacements and they are going to set off the alarm. " I

think this is a good idea. They are polite but there is no way they

are going to let you past without this.

-- In Joint Replacement , " Peg Nichols "

<po382@...> wrote:

>

> Is there any way to ease/shorten the difficulty of getting through

> airport surveillance portals?

>

> Last week I flew for the first time since knee surgery on June 11.

> When I set off the alarms at the Tulsa airport I was shuttled into a

> separate fenced area. They used a wand, which did buzz when swept

> near my knee. But then they " patted " me down pretty much all over.

> Took a good ten minutes, fortunately there was not a crowd at the

> time.

>

> Departing at the Phoenix airport I set off the alarms again. I was

> given the choice of being " patted down " or going through the " radio

> scanner. " I chose the scanner thing, hoping it would be quicker. The

> scanner was a tall, oval-shaped thing with glass walls. I had to

> step inside and put my feet on the foot-shapes on the rug. I was

> supposed to raise my hands in the air. I tried that, but felt out-of-

> balance, so I put my hands on my head, and was immediately told that

> my hands could not touch my head. Then turn sideways.

>

> After I was allowed to step out of the capsule, I was still " patted

> down " extensively around the rear pockets of my trousers, where I

> had stashed some dollar bills (for easy accessibility when needing

> to tip the shuttle driver).

>

> The whole thing took a good twenty minutes, fortunately once again,

> there was not a waiting crowd.

>

> Has anyone been through this and have any suggestions?

>

> Peg Nichols

>