Aug. 10, 2005

AMARILLO – Although millions of people pass through metal detectors at the nation's airports every day, many of those being screened seem to be senior citizens, a Texas Cooperative Extension expert said.

"I notice a disproportionate number of older adults being selected for additional screening by security personnel," said Andrew Crocker, Extension gerontology specialist.

Crocker noticed this screening trend during his own travels in Texas and around the country.

"While some of this is unavoidable (screening those with artificial hips or knees), some of it may be prevented with a little planning ahead," he said.

Fear and confusion surround the "dos and don'ts" of air travel, but Crocker said some Transportation Security Administration suggestions should alleviate some anxiety among senior air travelers.

Transportation officials say making some preparations before leaving home will help ease the security screening procedure.

– Select clothing that does not have metal items, including under-wire bras, belts and belt buckles, which may set off the metal detector. And avoid jewelry made of metal.

– Footwear containing metal arch supports may cause problems. Transportation officials do not require shoes to be removed, but additional screening could be required for those who don't remove their shoes.

– Do not carry cigarette lighters. Lighters are no longer allowed in airports and will be confiscated and not returned. Carry matches in carry-on or checked baggage if needed.

– Do not wrap packages. Screeners may unwrap them for security reasons. Also, do not lock baggage. Security personnel may cut locks off to gain access. Airport security-approved locks can be ordered at http://www.travelsentry.org or http://safeskieslocks.com.

– Label all baggage, even carry-ons, with contact information. Each person is limited to one carry-on bag and one personal item, such as a purse or briefcase. Put keys, cell phones, excess jewelry and other metal or metal containing items in the carry-on bag.

Some metal items, such as artificial hips, knees or pacemakers, cannot be removed to go through security, Crocker said.

"Your health professional should provide you with a card stating that you have a medical device which may cause the medical detector to alarm," he said. "Also, he or she may recommend that you not walk through the metal detector (for example, metal detectors may interfere with your pacemaker settings)."

In these cases, airport security personnel will conduct a one-on-one screening with a handheld metal detector or they may conduct a pat-down search, he said.

Transportation officials say other medical conditions and equipment of concern include:

– Supplemental oxygen canisters. These are permitted through the checkpoint once screened; however, the airline should be informed about the oxygen when reservations are made. Some airlines prohibit personal oxygen onboard planes.

– Diabetic supplies. Diabetics are allowed to carry any and all supplies, including syringes when accompanied by insulin. Notify security personnel of the situation.

– Artificial limbs. These will not have to removed, but security personnel need to see and touch them as part of the screening process. Carrying equipment needed to support a prosthesis is allowed.

– Walkers, crutches and canes. Those that can fit through the X-ray machine will be required to undergo screening. Security personnel will assist passengers with walking through the metal detector and until the walking aid has been cleared. Wheelchairs will be hand screened and, depending on the ability of the passenger, he or she may be required to get out of the wheelchair to pass through the detector.

Inform airport security personnel of any mobility, vision or hearing problems, transportation officials say. They will make special accommodations to ensure understanding why additional screening may be necessary.

Passengers selected for additional screening can request a private screening area and a security screener of the same gender. Anyone may refuse all security screening, but the person refusing will not be allowed to enter the gate area or board an airplane.

More information from the Transportation Security Administration is available at http://www.tsa.gov. Click on the "Travelers and Consumers" link at the top left of the page.