Airport Security - What you should know.
Since
September 11, 2001, our airports have the most stringent of airport security in
it's history. As of this date there are still many airports and flights that
have not return to normal. And I have feeling, that if the airports do return to
their regular flights, they'll never return to the security they once had. In
today's climate of suspicion, there will always be tight security in all of our
airports.
All amputees who travel know the procedures of explaining their
amputation and answering questions that go along with going through and getting
past the metal detectors and x-ray machines used to keep our skies safe. But
since the terrorists attack we've all had to deal with a new way of
traveling.
In the March/April 2002 inMotion magazine from the
Publication of the National Limb Loss Information Center, an informational
article is written by Christina DiMartino on Airport Security for those with
prostheses. For those who do not receive inMotion magazine, I'd like to
highlight some of it's suggestions.
- Give yourself plenty of time in the event you reach a security station
that will require more than just a visual observation of your prosthesis.
- The delivery of security at one airport may not be the same at another. Be
prepared. Don't count on one security station to communicate to another in the
same airport (if you have to go through more than one) that you will be
arriving at another. Rarely does one station speak to another. Be prepared to
give another explanation.
- Wear loose clothing in the event you have to disrobe.
- Let your body language speak for you. If you communicate clearly and then
ask them what you can do to prove your disability, you're less likely to run
into any lengthy problems. This isn't a promise, but it can't hurt.
- For some guards, using the word 'prosthesis' may not be a good idea as
some may not know what the word means. 'Artifical leg or arm' may be a better
term.
- In some cases, be prepared to be touched. Some amputees don't like drawing
attention to themselves or their disability, but unfortnately, it can't go
unnoticed at airport security. This may sound obnoxious, but you will have to
'deal with it' if flying is your only recourse.
- Contact Airport Security of the airline you will be flying before making a
reservation to tell them about your prosthesis and find out what you and them
can do to avoid a lengthy security check.
- Be prepared for the unexpected! You never know what you'll have to go
through to get on board a plane.
- If you need a wheelchair, while making your reservation, ask for a
wheelchair and the day of your departure, call the airline again to confirm
your request.
The AirCarrier Access Act (ACAA) and the Department of
Transportation's rules prohibit discriminatory treatment of people with
disability in air transportation. Since the tragic events of September 11th, the
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued directives to strengthen
security measures at airline checkpoints and passenger screening locations. In
securing the national air transportation system, where much of the FAA's efforts
have been directed, steps were also taken to ensure that the new procedures
preserve and respect the civil rights of passengers with disabilities. The FAA's
Fact Sheet provides information about the accessibility requirements in air
travel in light of strengthened security measures by providing a few examples of
the types of accommodations and services that must be provided to passengers
with disabilities. The ACAA can be viewed online at