In light of the recent news, i.e., bombs on USA air flights, I'm flying to Detroit International this September (I know, bad month). I last flew to the USA in 2008 and therefore know that airport security was getting more intense then. So, I was wondering if anybody has any accounts to tell of their recent USA airport security with regard to having a stoma. Gee07
gee07
Xerxes
Gee07
I have flown a few times recently on international flights out of and back to the USA. The scrutiny at the airports has obviously been increased and the intensity I have found to vary a bit from one airport to the next. The toughest I found to be is Dulles in Washington, DC. Personally, although we have all heard of various horror stories, the security personnel I encountered were all courteous and professional.
X_
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gee07
Xerxes, thanks for getting back to me. What kind of search did you go through, i.e., pat down, X-ray body scanner? Did the staff detect your bag or did you tell them before going through, and if so, how did you tell them?
I understand that for all of us flying, we want them to find anything that will do harm, but my worry is that they just think of how they pull you aside and ask questions.
I've always carried most of my medical supplies in my carry-on and have only been asked, at Brum., about the extra bag. It was enough for the staff when I said it was my medical items.
The other spare items, when they have been in my main luggage, have noted that they have been through it all. This recent scare, they say, was not metal but plastic. I wonder how they found it?
Detroit airport was the scare before this one.
I understand that for all of us flying, we want them to find anything that will do harm, but my worry is that they just think of how they pull you aside and ask questions.
I've always carried most of my medical supplies in my carry-on and have only been asked, at Brum., about the extra bag. It was enough for the staff when I said it was my medical items.
The other spare items, when they have been in my main luggage, have noted that they have been through it all. This recent scare, they say, was not metal but plastic. I wonder how they found it?
Detroit airport was the scare before this one.
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Xerxes
Gee007
Actually, I had all three: pat down, X-ray, and body scan at Dulles Int. airport. The only thing they detected was my iPod that I forgot to take out of my pocket. Because of this, they made me go through all three again. One thing I did do was to make sure the appliance was empty before going through. I thought the lack of a small bulge would make things less obvious and at the same time make the bag a little less X-ray dense. I remember when this came up before on this site, somebody mentioned that you can get a card from your physician that you can present beforehand to the inspectors. Don't worry about it. Everything will go fine. Just enjoy your flight. (Wow, that sounds like an airline attendant).
X_
Actually, I had all three: pat down, X-ray, and body scan at Dulles Int. airport. The only thing they detected was my iPod that I forgot to take out of my pocket. Because of this, they made me go through all three again. One thing I did do was to make sure the appliance was empty before going through. I thought the lack of a small bulge would make things less obvious and at the same time make the bag a little less X-ray dense. I remember when this came up before on this site, somebody mentioned that you can get a card from your physician that you can present beforehand to the inspectors. Don't worry about it. Everything will go fine. Just enjoy your flight. (Wow, that sounds like an airline attendant).
X_
fable3
I've had all three as well: body scanner, bomb wipes, and pat down. They made me pull up my shirt, wipe my first and middle finger across the bag, and then tested my fingers for traces of bomb material. It was really weird and took an extra 30 minutes. TSA was very nice and professional. They politely declined my offer to open the bag and see what was inside.
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Primeboy
I have done my fair share of national and international travel; and no one at any airport security, but no one, ever has ever shown any concern about what's in my bag. Let's face it. Profiling exists, as it should. I don't look like an Islamic terrorist much less a pack mule for some Mexican drug cartel. The news today about much of our high-tech equipment being purchased way before any testing occurred tells me that technology must by default take a back seat to common sense. Grandma is quite unlikely to shout Allah Achbar with a wad of C4 inside her girdle. No surprise there. The Israelis profile routinely and have managed to stay alive very nicely, thank you, because they are smart people. Let's cut out being politically correct and start acting like people who know what the real stakes are. Let's leave Grandma some dignity without exposing her recent acquisition of a Depends diaper to international scrutiny. Enough horseshit already!
gee07
Fable 3
Did they do the test in public or in a side room?
Did they find your bag by chance or see it by examination?
Gee07
gee07
Primeboy, you may well have a point that the people they stop do not fit the bill, i.e. bomb carrier.
They would say that is not the point, as anyone can plant something on the innocent passenger. So we are all open to be stopped and searched from that notion.
Thanks Gee07
gee07
Xerxes, thanks again for getting back to me. So, are you saying that even after three types of search, they still didn't know you had a bag?
I do have the card you mentioned. My stoma nurse has signed it for me. She said that a lot of airports are getting much more information on people with stomas.
Thanks for the point of having an empty bag. This is something I always do, even if it's not going on a plane, but the nature of having an ileostomy sometimes makes that hard.
Yes, I will try to enjoy the flight and thanks for your comments. Gee07
Xerxes
Gee07
The triple search was conducted on everyone. I am not sure if they saw the bag, but if so, they did not say anything. I am guessing it showed up on X-ray. When are you going to fly and where to?
X_
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gee07
Hello Xerxes, so I take it the triple search was the one in Dulles, W/DC you mentioned before? Even though, I am staying in Canada most of my stay. I will be flying into Detroit int., from the UK on (I know bad month) 19th Sept. I have never been to this airport before. I have found that the USA seems to be less uptight with their internal flights than the overseas ones. I do find that strange, as the most loss of life was caused through their internal flights within their own country with regard to 9/11.
I'm bound to get the twit who shouts "got a poo bag here and don't know what to do with it" lol
Did you see the reply from Fable3 about asking them to pull up their shirt? I am waiting for a reply to know if this was done in public or private. That was with TSA and "were very nice and professional." Gee07
I'm bound to get the twit who shouts "got a poo bag here and don't know what to do with it" lol
Did you see the reply from Fable3 about asking them to pull up their shirt? I am waiting for a reply to know if this was done in public or private. That was with TSA and "were very nice and professional." Gee07
Xerxes
Gee007
Yes, it was at Dulles where I was triple-teamed, so to speak. I have flown out of Heathrow several times, and I have to say they are pretty tough too. I was not triple-searched there but well patted down, up, down, back, and front pretty thoroughly. They do a good job at Heathrow. The worst was in Abu Dhabi in the Emirates. The security was so lax. As an example, there was an abandoned suitcase sitting a short distance from me. Nobody at all was associated with it. I went up to security to alert them about it, and I was told that that happens all the time, and I should not be alarmed. I had to wait a while, and I still noticed that the case was not drawing any attention, so I carried it into security and talked to the head honcho. The guy reluctantly opened the bag in front of me. Nothing inside, but I felt better. The guy looked at me as though I was crazy and said, "See, what did I tell you." All I can say is I boarded the flight feeling much better.
X_
Yes, it was at Dulles where I was triple-teamed, so to speak. I have flown out of Heathrow several times, and I have to say they are pretty tough too. I was not triple-searched there but well patted down, up, down, back, and front pretty thoroughly. They do a good job at Heathrow. The worst was in Abu Dhabi in the Emirates. The security was so lax. As an example, there was an abandoned suitcase sitting a short distance from me. Nobody at all was associated with it. I went up to security to alert them about it, and I was told that that happens all the time, and I should not be alarmed. I had to wait a while, and I still noticed that the case was not drawing any attention, so I carried it into security and talked to the head honcho. The guy reluctantly opened the bag in front of me. Nothing inside, but I felt better. The guy looked at me as though I was crazy and said, "See, what did I tell you." All I can say is I boarded the flight feeling much better.
X_
gee07
Hello. Some horror story there with the left suitcase. Must say you did take a risk picking it up. Never left from Heathrow, will be my 1st time from there.
Know it well though as I came from Windsor.
Thanks for your input, am surprised there weren't more people on here with any stories to tell on USA flights. Gee07
Xerxes
Gee07
I have encountered a few gems in my travels. But, I am alive to tell them. Whereabouts is Windsor? Near the castle? I've been there; a beautiful place.
X_
cee
Dear gee07,
Hi, I live in a suburb of Metro Detroit and have flown on international flights several times since my colostomy surgery in 2009. I requested a letter from my surgeon's P.A., the first one she ever had to write, and have never been asked to show it, although I always carry it. In Detroit, there are, like most US airports, several scanners. There is the metal one that you walk through and the more intense one where you raise your hands. I have been directed towards both and walked through both and never been searched, touched, or asked a question. Last time, en route to Heathrow in the UK in June of 2011, I was "wanded" and then let to pass by.
I am always tense and prepared mentally, but it has never been an issue at all.
Lynn
Hi, I live in a suburb of Metro Detroit and have flown on international flights several times since my colostomy surgery in 2009. I requested a letter from my surgeon's P.A., the first one she ever had to write, and have never been asked to show it, although I always carry it. In Detroit, there are, like most US airports, several scanners. There is the metal one that you walk through and the more intense one where you raise your hands. I have been directed towards both and walked through both and never been searched, touched, or asked a question. Last time, en route to Heathrow in the UK in June of 2011, I was "wanded" and then let to pass by.
I am always tense and prepared mentally, but it has never been an issue at all.
Lynn
gee07
Good evening Xerxes,
Well, it is evening on my side of the pond.
I must apologize if I wrote in a funny matter-of-fact way, but until I looked at your profile last night, after my last reply, I had thought for some reason you were in the UK.
Yes, I come from Windsor, the town with the Royal Castle, Eton College, and all that.
I'm not surprised to hear you have been to Windsor; the town always has lots of people from all over the world. Your fellow countrymen seem to like Windsor.
When were you last there? It has changed over the years; they seem to build on any scrap of land now, no matter how small. The main street down from the Castle, called Peascod St., has been messed around by developers.
As a child, I lived just outside the town, called Dedworth Green, about a mile and a half away, but I did share a flat with some friends in the late 60's on Peascod St.
You seem to get around; I love travel. It really does broaden the mind, as they say.
I love France; I've been there many times, and I love your country too. There are so many different types of scenery, from lush green countryside to deserts and massive rivers. As a little girl and still now, I've been interested in the Native American tribes, and it is this that I tend to visit the States for. I was in Cherokee, N.C. on my last visit. Hoping to go to New England this time round with my Canadian cousin. Although America is still a young country by European history standards, you do have some wonderful old history in your Native American culture. Then there's the Mayflower, Boston Tea Party, to name but a few.
Sorry, here endeth the history lecture; I'm sure you are nodding off. Gee07
Well, it is evening on my side of the pond.
I must apologize if I wrote in a funny matter-of-fact way, but until I looked at your profile last night, after my last reply, I had thought for some reason you were in the UK.
Yes, I come from Windsor, the town with the Royal Castle, Eton College, and all that.
I'm not surprised to hear you have been to Windsor; the town always has lots of people from all over the world. Your fellow countrymen seem to like Windsor.
When were you last there? It has changed over the years; they seem to build on any scrap of land now, no matter how small. The main street down from the Castle, called Peascod St., has been messed around by developers.
As a child, I lived just outside the town, called Dedworth Green, about a mile and a half away, but I did share a flat with some friends in the late 60's on Peascod St.
You seem to get around; I love travel. It really does broaden the mind, as they say.
I love France; I've been there many times, and I love your country too. There are so many different types of scenery, from lush green countryside to deserts and massive rivers. As a little girl and still now, I've been interested in the Native American tribes, and it is this that I tend to visit the States for. I was in Cherokee, N.C. on my last visit. Hoping to go to New England this time round with my Canadian cousin. Although America is still a young country by European history standards, you do have some wonderful old history in your Native American culture. Then there's the Mayflower, Boston Tea Party, to name but a few.
Sorry, here endeth the history lecture; I'm sure you are nodding off. Gee07
gee07
Hello Lynn,
Thanks for your reply and let's hope I have your same luck.
Last time I went to the States was in 2008 and things I thought were getting more uptight then. It's been on my mind since then really. I've put it off long enough now, about going back due to this worry and therefore, decided to go for it.
Gee07
Xerxes
Gee07
You do have a beautiful country. I was there last in April 2011. I did not get to Windsor that time. I spent most of my time in London/Westminster. They were all getting ready for the royal wedding. I am an enthusiast of Tudor history. I have spent many an afternoon walking around the grounds of the Tower of London where I saw many headless people, figuratively speaking. New England is really beautiful. You should like it. I enjoy it a lot. I live in NYC.
X_
gee07
That was quick. You must be on your computer or whatever!
Thanks for that. Yes, we English love a Royal Wedding. Nothing like it. Glued to our TVs for hours or in London watching it for real. We do know how to put on any Royal show.
Tudor's well, there is plenty to take in with that Royal family.............Henry and all.
The Tower of London is really special, but not for those who were locked up there, no doubt.
So you live in NYC. I've only just been in airports there, never stayed there as yet, but you never know........ Must admit to looking forward to my N.E. visit. There is a Native village in Plymouth that I am excited to see. Also Salem with the witch history.
Will sign off for now. Enjoyed our messages. Gee07
jenepooh
Hi gee07!
I'm sure you'll be awesome in getting on the plane. The one place I had issues on and I hadn't been on a plane since 1986, was in Tampa, FL I believe. I think I'll just drive from now on haha. It was that bad. I had to go through it all like some of you, which wasn't bad at first, but after the scan, they freaked out and wanted to pat me down yet again and I said, I have an ileostomy and they're like...What?? (facepalm)... I told them I'd be happy to show them haha.. They had to wait till a female could come over and gently pat me down and they were nice, but firm and made sure they didn't miss a thing and then I got to go through it all, all over again. I'm sure the people behind me REALLY enjoyed the whole thing.. (sighs)
Bah... definitely driving from now on. Well, maybe... we'll see.
Good luck!!
I'm sure you'll be awesome in getting on the plane. The one place I had issues on and I hadn't been on a plane since 1986, was in Tampa, FL I believe. I think I'll just drive from now on haha. It was that bad. I had to go through it all like some of you, which wasn't bad at first, but after the scan, they freaked out and wanted to pat me down yet again and I said, I have an ileostomy and they're like...What?? (facepalm)... I told them I'd be happy to show them haha.. They had to wait till a female could come over and gently pat me down and they were nice, but firm and made sure they didn't miss a thing and then I got to go through it all, all over again. I'm sure the people behind me REALLY enjoyed the whole thing.. (sighs)
Bah... definitely driving from now on. Well, maybe... we'll see.
Good luck!!
Beaner
When I traveled with my colostomy, I was told by TSA to tell the first person you come in contact with when going through security, the first one to ask for your passport and ticket voucher, that you have a colostomy and are carrying the necessary medical supplies. I told each security person as I went through the process, and was not patted down or anything, except for the scanner, like everyone else. They were very respectful. If they had asked to see it, or for me to lift up my shirt, I was prepared to do that, and would have made sure that other security around me would have seen it also, just to make the point to them that this is what it looks like, and perhaps save another ostomy wearer the experience...
Past Member
Most of my travel has been a breeze through security. However, in Toronto, a young security woman, in her broken English, asked about my bag. Another security person approached me and asked if I would allow to be privately observed. I was escorted to a private room where I lifted my blouse to show the appliance attached to me. The two women must have never seen something of this nature before. Being the educator I am, I took advantage of a teaching moment and explained it was how I eliminated my body waste. Like those in other posts, I offered to let them see inside. The look on their face was priceless! My advice when traveling: Just be prepared!
DRF56
I have had little problems with airports - have had pat downs on some and others breezed right through either the x-ray or scanner. Everyone was very professional. I do carry a card and a letter from my surgeon. And it is a good idea to tell the first TSA agent you meet what you have. This is usually the person checking your ID against your boarding pass, and many times they just tell you to show the screener, but it is still best to start at the beginning.
The card can be found at the following link along with other good information regarding traveling with appliances - like who knew that they have relaxed the rules for "ostomy scissors" in carry on. Still a good idea to precut your opening. I wouldn't want to be sitting in the airplane bathroom trying to cut!!!
Everyone have a good day and here is the link:
http://www.ostomy.org/ostomy_info/travel_tips.shtml
DR
kinder
Dear geeo7:
I flew last year for the first time after getting my ileostomy and was scared to death. I was flying from Pittsburgh, PA to Denver, CO and had heard all the horror stories of the agents being so rough on one man they tore his bag off. Needless to say, by the time I got to the head of the line, I was ready to have a stroke! I started to give my speech that I had an ileostomy and that it would show on the scanner, so if... the agent stopped me right away and said no problem, my father has the same problem, come with me. He took my husband and me to the head of the line and handed me the basket to put all your personal items in, then placed me in the scanner and said "Have a nice trip". To this day, I feel bad I did not get his name because I would have liked to have written to his supervisor how he had "made my day". On the return trip through Denver, I didn't have any problems either. Sure hope you get the best of the TSA agents and you have a wonderful trip.
Nancy
I flew last year for the first time after getting my ileostomy and was scared to death. I was flying from Pittsburgh, PA to Denver, CO and had heard all the horror stories of the agents being so rough on one man they tore his bag off. Needless to say, by the time I got to the head of the line, I was ready to have a stroke! I started to give my speech that I had an ileostomy and that it would show on the scanner, so if... the agent stopped me right away and said no problem, my father has the same problem, come with me. He took my husband and me to the head of the line and handed me the basket to put all your personal items in, then placed me in the scanner and said "Have a nice trip". To this day, I feel bad I did not get his name because I would have liked to have written to his supervisor how he had "made my day". On the return trip through Denver, I didn't have any problems either. Sure hope you get the best of the TSA agents and you have a wonderful trip.
Nancy
gee07
A big thank you to all of you who told me your accounts in flying with a stoma.
You will have to watch this space and when I've had my USA/Canada holiday I'll get back and tell you how mine went. Gee07
keysgirl
Greetings,
I live in Detroit and I fly frequently for my job. Detroit has the body scanning machines in most terminals. Almost every time I go through the security scanning machines, they pull me over for a body search. Only twice did I have a full body search back in the little room. I always ask them if they can just do the search without going in the room, for time's sake. It's very annoying because of the delay it causes, but the body search doesn't bother me, just the additional time it takes. When they first pull me over, I tell them I have an ostomy and ask them if they know what that is. Usually, they do. I'm not modest nor do I care that they know about it. I have never had anyone look through my baggage. I always have one of those small makeup bags in my purse with a small amount of ostomy supplies, but they have never looked through it.
I just suggest you give yourself extra time just in case they delay you with a body search. Also, look at all of the covers to see if there are any without the body scanning machine and go to that one. Really, who cares what they think, they'll never see you again. Have a wonderful flight.
In Spirit,
Sadiqah
I live in Detroit and I fly frequently for my job. Detroit has the body scanning machines in most terminals. Almost every time I go through the security scanning machines, they pull me over for a body search. Only twice did I have a full body search back in the little room. I always ask them if they can just do the search without going in the room, for time's sake. It's very annoying because of the delay it causes, but the body search doesn't bother me, just the additional time it takes. When they first pull me over, I tell them I have an ostomy and ask them if they know what that is. Usually, they do. I'm not modest nor do I care that they know about it. I have never had anyone look through my baggage. I always have one of those small makeup bags in my purse with a small amount of ostomy supplies, but they have never looked through it.
I just suggest you give yourself extra time just in case they delay you with a body search. Also, look at all of the covers to see if there are any without the body scanning machine and go to that one. Really, who cares what they think, they'll never see you again. Have a wonderful flight.
In Spirit,
Sadiqah
gee07
Keysgirl, thanks for telling me about your experience with the airport scanners, etc.
Can't say I'm looking forward to that part of my holiday. At least now, I do know that Detroit has body scanning machines for sure. Not too sure what you mean by a full body search as against a body search. Good tip about giving myself extra time, will have to let my family know both ends that I may be late coming through check out. Not too much of a problem unless you have a connecting flight, has anyone I wonder, ever missed their flight through the search, when wearing a bag? As for looking for a route where there are no body scanners, not too sure if I'd end up drawing more attention to myself. LOL
Thanks to all again for everyone's input on the subject I posted. Gee07
Past Member
Hello, dear Gee07!
I have done a flight from Rhine-Main-Airbase near Frankfurt, Germany to the Canary Islands near the West African coast, 18-30 April.
I got with me a bag with the urgently needed things and a "Travel Certificate" for ostomy people, signed by and with stamps from my doctor. I got it from the German ILCO, the ostomy association, which is a member of the International Ostomy Association.
In the USA and in many other states and countries, there will be a group associated with us.
www.ostomyinternational.org/NCACOA.htm www.ostomyinternational.org
I could pass the control points without any uncomfortable "searches" or so. One view at the bodyscanner and a short view into my boardcase and my "Kangaroo" passport from the association, stamped and signed by my doctor - that was all. 3 minutes!
Best greetings!
Kangaroo
I have done a flight from Rhine-Main-Airbase near Frankfurt, Germany to the Canary Islands near the West African coast, 18-30 April.
I got with me a bag with the urgently needed things and a "Travel Certificate" for ostomy people, signed by and with stamps from my doctor. I got it from the German ILCO, the ostomy association, which is a member of the International Ostomy Association.
In the USA and in many other states and countries, there will be a group associated with us.
www.ostomyinternational.org/NCACOA.htm www.ostomyinternational.org
I could pass the control points without any uncomfortable "searches" or so. One view at the bodyscanner and a short view into my boardcase and my "Kangaroo" passport from the association, stamped and signed by my doctor - that was all. 3 minutes!
Best greetings!
Kangaroo
gee07
Hello Kangaroo,
Thanks for your reply. I do have the same travel cert., as you have mentioned and as yet never had to show it.
Seeing as it was over four years ago when I made my last air flight to USA and noted how more intense it was getting. I thought I would ask anyone on here about how everyone was coping within the airport security.
When you say you flew from the German air base, was that through normal air flights or with the Army?
So let's hope I have the same luck as you when I fly in September.
Gee07
Thanks for your reply. I do have the same travel cert., as you have mentioned and as yet never had to show it.
Seeing as it was over four years ago when I made my last air flight to USA and noted how more intense it was getting. I thought I would ask anyone on here about how everyone was coping within the airport security.
When you say you flew from the German air base, was that through normal air flights or with the Army?
So let's hope I have the same luck as you when I fly in September.
Gee07