flying in a cast?

[bug_n_flock]

Anybody ever flown while on crutches/in a cast(/walking boot)? Thinking about flying to visit my mom for a few days late next week, but if going thru security is going to be a hassle/gropefest, maybe I will just wait.



My concern is the shoes off part. I can take off the cast, does this mean they will make me? And if so, would I be expected to walk thru the metal detector(or whatever it is) without my crutches and not in the cast/walking boot? I would be fine with them scanning or searching the crutches or whatever, and even taking off the cast to go through security if they put me in a wheelchair or something to go thru the machine. What I would NOT be OK with, would be if they decided to pat me down or whatever other really inappropriate search things they do to people.



Ugh. Why do we put up with this crap at airports? I just want to visit my mom for a few days, not wanting to be "legally" and publicly manhandled shouldn't be one of the travel concerns. How did this become OK and normal? Sigh, tangent over. Any information?

 

[Scott]

Passengers pass through security wearing casts, medical devices, in wheelchairs, etc. You should not have any problem, with a caveat....

Approach the TSA screeners with a good attitude and fully explain your situation. They've seen it before, but are only human and react better when shown respect. They have many options including hand-wanding you and using non-invasive explosive testing swabs in lieu of passing through the magnetometer (metal detector) or body scanner.
https://www.tsa.gov/news/releases/2...sabilities-medical-devices-medical-conditions

Heightened security is the price we pay to ensure safety in an age of terrorism or individual acts of horror. Aviation utilizes the "swiss cheese" approach in that several layers are visible (screening, locked doors, police presence) while others are discreet. (comparing names with data bases, armed pilots and air marshals, etc) The likelihood of an attack successfully passing through each phase or "hole" is remote.

 

[Owlet]

I fly with my service dog and while its different for obvious reasons, it might help. Usually instead of those big scanners where you have to stand there with your feet apart and hands in the air, they take me to the side to one of the older more simple scanners. I'd assume it would be the same with people with mobility devices or in your case, cast/boot. Now, with my dog they have to test my hands for bomb residue because apparently that's a thing, they just wipe your hands, it takes like 30 seconds generally.

 

[Scott]

I fly with my service dog and while its different for obvious reasons, it might help. Usually instead of those big scanners where you have to stand there with your feet apart and hands in the air, they take me to the side to one of the older more simple scanners. I'd assume it would be the same with people with mobility devices or in your case, cast/boot. Now, with my dog they have to test my hands for bomb residue because apparently that's a thing, they just wipe your hands, it takes like 30 seconds generally.

Exactly! TSA has many options to clear a passenger. Folks often wonder why they bother to inspect the very old, infirm, or others with temporary issues? Because terrorists are very clever and use "mules" much as with the drug trade. Smuggle covertly in those who you'd never suspect, and sometimes the "mules" are not aware. Two examples....

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindawi_affair
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-40822310

 

[bug_n_flock]

Scott, do yoy happen to work for the TSA by any chance? LOL you sound like their spokesperson

 

[Scott]

Scott, do yoy happen to work for the TSA by any chance? LOL you sound like their spokesperson

Oh good heavens no, but I interfaced with them for an entire career. Was an airline pilot the past 35 years and retired about one year ago. So I know something of aviation security from personal training and observing hordes of passengers passing through TSA. What they do is a serious matter despite appearances and flack from individuals and media. As with many folks in a position of some power, respect is generally returned if offered. Just offering some friendly advice, accept or LOL with attitude and take your chances.

 

[bug_n_flock]

I think you misunderstood my lol, it wasn't with attitude. I do what is known as an "awkward lol" to diffuse any social tension that may be there if my question is interpreted the wrong way.



I'm a real awkward gal, not a rude one..

 

[Scott]

...but if going thru security is going to be a hassle/gropefest, maybe I will just wait.

...whatever other really inappropriate search things they do to people.

Ugh. Why do we put up with this crap at airports? ...not wanting to be "legally" and publicly manhandled shouldn't be one of the travel concerns. How did this become OK and normal?

I think you misunderstood my lol, it wasn't with attitude. I do what is known as an "awkward lol" to diffuse any social tension that may be there if my question is interpreted the wrong way.



I'm a real awkward gal, not a rude one..

This is why I interpreted as posted. But fair enough, I'll accept awkward any day over rudeness!

 

[bug_n_flock]

That was directed at the unconstitutional backscatter x rays, the "back of the hand isn't inappropriate when patting down private parts" policy, the forcing parents to consume breast milk to show it isn't contaminated, the patting down of children and the elderly in their private areas, etc etc etc that the tsa has. Not at you, or your response. I guess I am just confused as to why you thought I was giving you attitude by typing LOL when asking if you worked for the TSA, after giving detailed and very pro TSA answers. That is all. Not laughing at you. Not laughing at the TSA. And I am never rude to cops, tsa, etc etc etc. I have flown a lot, just never in a cast. And I have been polite, friendly, and respectful to every TSA agent I have encountered. Maybe, *maybe* one has returned a smile. Every other interaction has been one-sided politeness like trying to make a human connection with a brick wall. They have never been outright rude or cruel to me or anything, but never have they returned respect, either.



I just made this thread to see if anyone knew if cast/not being able to do xray or metal detector whatever meant automatic gropefest. Becayse if so, I'll take the 25 hour train ride instead. Swabbing hands and old style machines I am fine with. Public groping I am not.




Our politics and views on the TSA's effectiveness, legality, appropriateness etc differ, but I didn't mean for my lol to be laughing at you. Just diffusing any potential miffed-ness at me asking you where you worked in case you thought that too personal or something. Urrrrg, social stuff is hard. I was just making conversation because I wanted to entirely sidestep the TSA political disagreement! I definitely botched *that* social interaction.



I have many pilots in my family, btw. What airline did you fly for?

 

[SailBoat]

Long business career flying wide and far. Have seen far too much in far too many places. US TSA is much kinder than Countries that have even larger target on them and their people.

Beyond Scott's recommendations, TIME is a wonderful key to passing smoothly thought the system. It may sound old, but arriving early and going ahead of the crowd really works. You have likely seen the Golf Carts that move folks that need help. Sign-up! Also, plan greater time between flights at any Airport that you will need to change aircraft.

Yes, I know that you are well aware of those points, but other members and visitors may not be as well informed.

Take care. The danger of having a deep set opinion regarding systems like TSA is that at the oddest moment, it just may slip-out and disrupt your travel plans.

 

[bug_n_flock]

Actually, Mr. Boat, I had completely spaced on needing extra time to make connections and to get to the gate, etc. I usually fly non rev, so getting to the airport and to security early early is normal for me. However, I hadn't been considering the sprawl of the airports, and the need for extra time making connecting flights. Thank you

 

[Scott]

That was directed at the unconstitutional backscatter x rays, the "back of the hand isn't inappropriate when patting down private parts" policy, the forcing parents to consume breast milk to show it isn't contaminated, the patting down of children and the elderly in their private areas, etc etc etc that the tsa has. Not at you, or your response. I guess I am just confused as to why you thought I was giving you attitude by typing LOL when asking if you worked for the TSA, after giving detailed and very pro TSA answers. That is all. Not laughing at you. Not laughing at the TSA. And I am never rude to cops, tsa, etc etc etc. I have flown a lot, just never in a cast. And I have been polite, friendly, and respectful to every TSA agent I have encountered. Maybe, *maybe* one has returned a smile. Every other interaction has been one-sided politeness like trying to make a human connection with a brick wall. They have never been outright rude or cruel to me or anything, but never have they returned respect, either.



I just made this thread to see if anyone knew if cast/not being able to do xray or metal detector whatever meant automatic gropefest. Becayse if so, I'll take the 25 hour train ride instead. Swabbing hands and old style machines I am fine with. Public groping I am not.




Our politics and views on the TSA's effectiveness, legality, appropriateness etc differ, but I didn't mean for my lol to be laughing at you. Just diffusing any potential miffed-ness at me asking you where you worked in case you thought that too personal or something. Urrrrg, social stuff is hard. I was just making conversation because I wanted to entirely sidestep the TSA political disagreement! I definitely botched *that* social interaction.



I have many pilots in my family, btw. What airline did you fly for?

Have you read the link I posted? Your situation requires extra care by the TSA, which is why I suggested a softer attitude to garner a smoother passage. You seem to carry a chip on your shoulder reference TSA with comments such as "gropefest", "publicly manhandled", and "crap at airports." It is their job to give you personalized screening with a cast, but please don't present with an overhang of begrudging.

I am not blindly "pro TSA" but respect their charter. As with any public service endeavor, your experience may vary and there will always be complaints *and* some errant officers. You'll forgive my "law and order" approach as I had 16 co-workers killed 9/11, including one I'd flown with. We can debate the constitutionality of backscatter X-rays, but the "right" to board an aircraft is not guaranteed.

Flew 28 years for United, based in Los Angeles the majority of career. Began as 727 flight engineer, flew the 737 and A320. Avoided the widebody long-haul international flying as I'm a light sleeper and had no desire to be away from home for a week or so at a time. It is also brutal on the body!!

 

[bug_n_flock]

My issue is not with the security in general, but the specifics of its implementation. I do not object to the stringency and I do not mean to say that it should be as easy as walking onto the plane to board a plane. I think that there is a lot to unpack surrounding this topic, too much for a thread on a parrot forum. But I suspect that you and I do not actually differ so much on our opinions as it may at first appear. I truly feel for your loss and I extend my sincere condolences. 9/11 was a major loss for all of us, and I absolutely do not take lightly the necessity of preventing another similar tragedy. That, I assure you, is *not* my issue with the TSA. Absolutely not.



My father was a jornalist and routinely was in dangerous situations for his job. I absolutely do not take the threat lightly, and I genuinely apologize if my comments made it sound that way.

 

[Casper223]

That was directed at the unconstitutional backscatter x rays, the "back of the hand isn't inappropriate when patting down private parts" policy, the forcing parents to consume breast milk to show it isn't contaminated, the patting down of children and the elderly in their private areas, etc etc etc that the tsa has. Not at you, or your response. I guess I am just confused as to why you thought I was giving you attitude by typing LOL when asking if you worked for the TSA, after giving detailed and very pro TSA answers. That is all. Not laughing at you. Not laughing at the TSA. And I am never rude to cops, tsa, etc etc etc. I have flown a lot, just never in a cast. And I have been polite, friendly, and respectful to every TSA agent I have encountered. Maybe, *maybe* one has returned a smile. Every other interaction has been one-sided politeness like trying to make a human connection with a brick wall. They have never been outright rude or cruel to me or anything, but never have they returned respect, either.



I just made this thread to see if anyone knew if cast/not being able to do xray or metal detector whatever meant automatic gropefest. Becayse if so, I'll take the 25 hour train ride instead. Swabbing hands and old style machines I am fine with. Public groping I am not.




Our politics and views on the TSA's effectiveness, legality, appropriateness etc differ, but I didn't mean for my lol to be laughing at you. Just diffusing any potential miffed-ness at me asking you where you worked in case you thought that too personal or something. Urrrrg, social stuff is hard. I was just making conversation because I wanted to entirely sidestep the TSA political disagreement! I definitely botched *that* social interaction.



I have many pilots in my family, btw. What airline did you fly for?

Have you read the link I posted? Your situation requires extra care by the TSA, which is why I suggested a softer attitude to garner a smoother passage. You seem to carry a chip on your shoulder reference TSA with comments such as "gropefest", "publicly manhandled", and "crap at airports." It is their job to give you personalized screening with a cast, but please don't present with an overhang of begrudging.

I am not blindly "pro TSA" but respect their charter. As with any public service endeavor, your experience may vary and there will always be complaints *and* some errant officers. You'll forgive my "law and order" approach as I had 16 co-workers killed 9/11, including one I'd flown with. We can debate the constitutionality of backscatter X-rays, but the "right" to board an aircraft is not guaranteed.

Flew 28 years for United, based in Los Angeles the majority of career. Began as 727 flight engineer, flew the 737 and A320. Avoided the widebody long-haul international flying as I'm a light sleeper and had no desire to be away from home for a week or so at a time. It is also brutal on the body!!

Lets just be glad your not having to fly the Max! I believe like other folks, I'd be Leary of that plane for some time to come, Believing Boeing lost a lot of it's credibility by not listening to the feedback from the Pilots when they should have been. IMHO

 

[Casper223]

I just don't know about y'all, but every time I fly out of New Orleans, I always get the same person who screens me. She's a big hefty woman who works out, I can tell by the strength in her grope, and her co-workers usually call her Butch..... I mean theres like a half dozen screeners I'd pay to screen me, and allow them all the access they need, But I keep getting the same one.... What's with that??? I mean I don't have anything to hide, I mean she can tell you that.... But I mean, Doesn't she ever get a day off??? Dang!!

 

[Scott]

My issue is not with the security in general, but the specifics of its implementation. I do not object to the stringency and I do not mean to say that it should be as easy as walking onto the plane to board a plane. I think that there is a lot to unpack surrounding this topic, too much for a thread on a parrot forum. But I suspect that you and I do not actually differ so much on our opinions as it may at first appear. I truly feel for your loss and I extend my sincere condolences. 9/11 was a major loss for all of us, and I absolutely do not take lightly the necessity of preventing another similar tragedy. That, I assure you, is *not* my issue with the TSA. Absolutely not.



My father was a jornalist and routinely was in dangerous situations for his job. I absolutely do not take the threat lightly, and I genuinely apologize if my comments made it sound that way.

Thank you for your kind words, we are indeed fundamentally on the same page.

I'll bet your father had some interesting stories! Especially the "story" behind the story.

 

[Scott]

Lets just be glad your not having to fly the Max! I believe like other folks, I'd be Leary of that plane for some time to come, Believing Boeing lost a lot of it's credibility by not listening to the feedback from the Pilots when they should have been. IMHO

Oh man, the MAX! I have even stronger opinions on that debacle than the TSA, but my stance may surprise you.

I have no quarrel with Boeing needing to design a stability system known as MCAS due to major changes in engine installation. The problem is they violated a cardinal rule and failed to engineer redundancy as they did with every other critical aspect of the 737. There are in fact two AOA (Angle of Attack) sensors installed but only one was used for MCAS. There is a story in the "why," most likely due to competitive pressures. It is not possible Boeing engineers designed MCAS as installed and thought it a "best effort." Part of the problem is the FAA allows far too much self certification.

Both flight crews (Lion Air and Ethiopian) failed to apply basic airmanship when MCAS began to malfunction. Every airliner has a series of immediate action, memory only items to accomplish with various emergencies. Apply the corrective measures, than back up with a checklist. However, the vast majority of malfunctions are *not* accomplished in this matter, rather a checklist is used once the issue is noted and understood. The malfunctioning MCAS pushed the nose downward, not through the control wheel but rather a "trimming" device that relieves pressures. It is very apparent with two rotating wheels, one near each pilot's inboard knees. What they in fact experienced was a "runaway stabilizer trim" condition, and *that* is one of the immediate action memory items to be promptly accomplished. A secondary problem is they never reduced engine thrust below a takeoff setting and allowed the speed to build well past the maximum. That in turn created air loads on the flight control surfaces that made a bad situation worse.

Bottom line, Boeing is primarily responsible for poorly designing a system and not informing pilots of its presence. But basic airmanship should have saved the day. Unfortunately, airline pilots in some regions are encouraged to use automation as much as possible and do not hand-fly the aircraft for maximum proficiency.

Many airlines view aviation as plug-and-play, simply melding the equipment, minimally qualified employees of all sorts, a marginal support environment, and expect a high level of safety. Experience and a top-down approach to safety is critical and unfortunately under great pressure worldwide. Many of us in the industry call it a "race to the bottom" with incentives to cut costs at every level. Heck, an airline I won't name removed facial tissues from lavatories and eliminated linens for flight attendant breaks in bunks unless the flights are over 9 hours.

 

[noodles123]

I haven't flown in a cast, but they have special security protocols for people in wheel-chairs etc and they can wand your leg specifically.
You should be fine, as they have ways of checking unexposed areas (e.g, under head coverings etc) without having to remove those items from a person's body.

 

[SailBoat]

Love the clarity, Thank you Scott!

 

[Flboy]

Wow, this post took a few different turns!
My original reply to flying in a cast was;
‘Depending on its weight, you may have trouble gaining enough speed needed for the required lift!’