Amputees & 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.