For everyone's safety, every person, animal, and item brought into the airport is screened. This post covers the actual screening process and is intended to provide useful information to lower anxiety and help you find additional information on the TSA Travel Website.
It is highly recommended to visit the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Travel Website to get current information on restricted items, procedures, and information including your rights, responsibilities, and how to receive additional assistance when needed.
While everyone will undergo screening there are special procedures for:
Disabilities and Medical Conditions:
After clicking on the link you can click on "Please select a situation to see more information" and see the complete list. It will be helpful to review each situation that may be relevant to you. Ostomies, Medications, External Medical Devices, Bandages, Compression Sleeves and Dressings are of interest to me. Everyone has their own situations.
Seniors Over Age 75: May leave shoes and light jackets on. If during screening anything is detected, you may have to remove your shoes and jacket. If unable to stand for screening, other security screening procedures may be used.
Ostomies:
The TSA states the following, as of 4/15/2023, for special procedures for ostomies:
"Inform the TSA Officer
Inform the TSA officer if you have an ostomy pouch attached to your body and where it is located before the screening process begins. You may provide the officer with the TSA notification card or other medical documentation to describe your condition."
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Note: A notification card is not required. If you feel uncomfortable telling the TSA officers about your condition, this is an option.
"Screening in Standard Lanes (emphasis added by Author)
Passengers with an ostomy in standard lanes can be screened without having to remove, empty or expose the ostomy by advanced imaging technology, metal detector, or a pat-down. If the standard lane does not have advanced imaging technology or if you are eligible for expedited screening, you may be screened by a walk-through metal detector.
The ostomy pouch is subject to additional screening, and may require you to conduct a self pat-down of the ostomy pouch outside of your clothing, followed by a test of your hands for any trace of explosives. You may also undergo a pat-down of areas that will not include the ostomy pouch. Pat-downs are conducted by a TSA officer of the same gender.
Screening involving a sensitive area may be conducted in private with a companion or other individual of your choice. You may request screening in private at any time.
Ask TSA Video of What to Expect During Security Pat Downs:
Screening in TSA PreCheck® Lanes
Passengers with an ostomy in TSA PreCheck® lanes can be screened without having to remove, empty or expose the ostomy by advanced imaging technology (if available), metal detector or a pat-down.
If the ostomy alarms during screening, you will be required to conduct a self pat-down of the device outside of your clothing, followed by testing on your hands for explosives.
If you are unable to conduct a pat-down of your device, TSA officers will test your hands for explosives. TSA officers will resolve positive tests using other screening methods including a full pat-down (without touching the ostomy) and inspection of your property. Pat-downs are conducted by a TSA officer of the same gender.
Screening involving a sensitive area may be conducted in private with a companion or other individual of your choice. You may request screening in private at any time."
Pat Down Experience (Seattle, WA) (Author):
On my most recent trip, I had to undergo the most extensive pat down than anything I had experienced previously.
I was asked if I wanted this to be done in private, and I declined. So, it was done right in front of imaging machine. With my legs spread shoulder width apart and my hands on my belt loops the TSA officer (with gloved hands) ran his hands inside my waist band. Then, ran his hands across and vertically across the front of my pants. Then, on outside of pants, his hands went from bottom of leg near ankles up to my groin...to the point they could go no further. This was done basically 4 times, front and back side. That was the extent of it.
I do remember thinking that I could see how this could be unsettling to some. I was wearing pants, and if I was wearing shorts , a skirt, or dress, I would have been uncomfortable. I am sure the TSA officers are uncomfortable as well. I was glad when it was over.
I was also asked to run my palm along the front and back of my pouch. Once finished they rubbed my palm with a small paper cloth and placed that in a scanner that checks for explosives residue.
Ostomy Belts, Wraps, Protectors:
I wear an ostomy belt with a built in plastic shield that protects the stoma. When I notify the TSA officer of my ostomy, I also inform them of my belt. As said previously, they usually ask if the belt can be removed, and I tell them no.
I believe the TSA officer could visually inspect the belt if desired. But, to date the only request has been to do the explosives residue check. If I was asked to allow for visual inspection I would not hesitate, but some may desire a private screening area for that as well.
If you expect you might start flying frequently, the Trusted Traveler Programs might be useful to you. There is a fee and membership expires. However, when flying on participating airlines at participating airports it can expedite the security screening process and prevent you from having to separate your liquids, medications, remove shoes and jackets, etc.
TSA Pre-Check/Global Entry / NEXUS / SENTRI
There are trusted traveler programs available that allow (do not guarantee) expedited security (most travelers process in 5 minutes or less). TSA Pre-Check is for domestic travel within the United States. Cost is $78 and membership is good for five years. Travel must be on participating airline and through participating airports.
Information for these programs can be found at Department of Homeland Security Trusted Traveler Programs website: https://ttp.dhs.gov/
Part 3: Flying with an ostomy - Security Screening
Part 4: Flying with an ostomy - Restroom Access at the airport and during flight
Part 5: Flying with an ostomy - Dealing with leaks at the airport and in flight
Part 6: Flying with an ostomy - Carry On Supplies and Packing
Part 7: Flying with an ostomy - Determine How Much to Pack
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