Medical implants don’t have to cause screening delays
I have a plate and six screws attached to my tibia, due to a recent accident. I assume I will ring all the bells as I go through security at the airport. Is there anything I can do to prepare for this situation and avoid long delays?
The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) is responsible for security services in relation to passenger and baggage screening, to ensure prohibited items listed by Transport Canada do not make it onto any airplanes. Understandably, its screening process would include metal-detection devices.
To prepare yourself for air travel, you could always check with your physician regarding any issues or concerns he or she may have with you going through the screening process at the airport.
While it’s not necessary to have documents to support your condition, if you believe having such documents will reduce time and simplify your screening at the airport, the authority recommends you present the documents to the screening officer when you arrive at the screening area.
Alternatively, the authority advises individuals with metal implants to advise the screening officer of their circumstances prior to starting the screening process.
The screening officer will suggest alternatives to the walk-through metal detector, such as a full-body scanner, a hand-held metal detector or a physical search.
Information and advice on security screening and special needs, such as health conditions or mobility issues, can be found on CATSA’s website, catsa.gc.ca.
CATSA’s Breeze Through Security mobile app, which is free to download from iTunes and Google Play, provides you with information you can use before you travel and while you’re on the go.
It also lets you check wait times at security check points at major Canadian airports, and whether an item you wish to travel with should be packed in checked baggage or your carry-on bag. Dorian Werda is vice-president, operations, for the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO), a non-profit corporation that regulates 2,500 travel retailers and wholesalers registered in Ontario.