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Airport security.....good news story!

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Posted 2/9/2013 11:57 PM (GMT 0)
So we went thru security in the Ottawa airport today and of course, I was selected to have the "enhanced screening" and was given the option of the full body scan or the pat down. I chose the pat down and told the security lady that I had an ostomy and did she want to see it. She was so kind and gentle and wanted to know more about it as I was the first person that she had done the pat down with an ostomy. She asked what happened and if it was uncomfortable. She then thanked me for sharing and educating her.

So for all those that are nervous about flying, this was a good news experience!!!
Posted 2/10/2013 3:11 AM (GMT 0)
Glad you had a good experience. When this happened to me in Toronto, I went through the scanner. No one even looked twice or asked a question.

I've flown at least 4 times since having my ostomy (all domestic) and never once had a problem except when I left my slightly larger medical scissors in my handbag. But even then, once they saw the medical supplies and with my quick, quiet explanation, it was no problem.

To be on the safe side, I do/did travel with a note from my Dr - just in case.
Posted 2/11/2013 10:39 AM (GMT 0)
That's excellent news. Hopefully,. there are more security people like her out there!
Posted 2/17/2013 3:03 AM (GMT 0)
The times I have traveled with my son they send us through the metal detector so the scanner isn't an issue. The times I have been through the scanner I have just explained and they have always had to call another person because the first person didn't know what i was talking about but they were always nice and all I had to do was touch the bag and then touch a piece of paper. I also always pack my paste in my carry on in a seperate quart bag from my other liquids and they have never said anything. I don't know if they know what it is, or if they can just tell it's something medical and don't ask.
Posted 2/17/2013 5:41 PM (GMT 0)
I fly all the time for work and it's never been an issue. Security people see medical stuff everyday, no big deal. It's not like we have anything too special, really lol. I pack all my supplies in a laptop bag that goes with me as carry on...no laptop in it, just my supplies, and no one is the wiser since every other person has a laptop bag

Matt
Posted 2/17/2013 7:52 PM (GMT 0)
I've never had an issue with the scanners. All supplies are in my carry on bag, too. Medical supplies are excluded from the 3 oz rule so you can have them all together.
Posted 2/21/2013 7:52 PM (GMT 0)
Larasmom

I'm from Ottawa also and have flown a few times since having my Ileo. I always tell them before I go through the scanner even though it won't register. I've had a few different reactions from additional bomb material testing (they made me expose the ileo, rub my hands over it then test my hands for explosive materials) to going into the xray machine to being questioned about it but it was never an unpleasant experience.
Posted 2/21/2013 8:20 PM (GMT 0)
     WOW...this topic couldn't have come at a more opportune moment.  My husband and I are thinking about going on an Alaskan cruise next year for our 45th wedding anniversary.  I haven't flown since receiving my ostomy and I was a bit concerned.

     The question I have is this....We are traveling from NJ to the west coast.  It will take several hours.  Do they permit you to take a water bottle on the flight or will I have to purchase the water on the plane?

Posted 2/22/2013 1:20 AM (GMT 0)
you can take water that you buy on the plane side of security on the plane. It's expensive, but still cheaper than buying on the plane. You can take snacks in through security though.
Alive and well, they are not supposed to ask you to show your bag.
Posted 2/22/2013 6:56 AM (GMT 0)
Christine-See if you can get a note from your doctor. A lady in my Ostomy group brought like 3 gallons of water on an international flight and they didn't question her. I am sure if I just said that I needed it they wouldn't let me take it on.
Reminds me of a story pre ostomy. I was flying out of Denver and I was extremely thirsty. I bought a juice from a juice stand literally 10ft from the security line. I through it in my backback and went through security (which didn't have anyone in line) and they opened up my backpack and told me I couldn't have the juice. I told them well it's sealed and I bought it from the place right in front of here just a second ago and I have my receipt. I asked if I could just step back out of security and drink it since I just payed $5 for it. They told me no and threw it away.. I am still angry about that. I may as well have thrown a $5 bill in the trash.
Posted 2/22/2013 12:45 PM (GMT 0)
I have never had a problem going through security either, I use a wheelchair when there'll be a lot of walking, so when they do the pat down thing, I just tell them it's an ileostomy, and they say ok, one time I asked if she needed to see it, and she said no that she knew what it was.
Posted 2/22/2013 5:27 PM (GMT 0)
Yes of course you can take all the water on the flight that you want. You just have to buy it in the expensive little shops after you go through security. I usually buy two two-liter bottles when I fly overseas. Better to have lots.. just in case you get stuck on the runway for some bizarre reason.
Posted 2/22/2013 7:36 PM (GMT 0)
You can bring an empty reusable water bottle through security and then fill it for free from a water fountain at the gate if you don't mind drinking tap water :)
Posted 2/25/2013 3:46 AM (GMT 0)
I have also flown recently. I went through three airport security lines. Both had the new scanners. I never said anything to anybody and they never said anything to me. No stop, nothing.

I also recommend taking a water bottle on flights...the airports I traveled in (two were small) now have special water bottle fillers at many water fountains.

You can also buy durable bottles that actually flatten like a plastic bag to save room.
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