to ask to prefer a “pat down” at airport?

[AragornIsGorgeous]

Hi, I will be using wheelchair assistance when flying abroad shortly, and my arm will still be in a sling.

I’m told that usually a traveler is asked to walk through a contraption (with arms raised?) instead of the traditional pat down.

As I will be in a wheelchair and arm in sling, can I ask for the pat down, or can I be “made” to go through the machine thingy whatever it’s is?

sorry I can’t be more specific, I’m not an air traveler in general.

Thank you for reading, and I would appreciate all (kind) replies.

You don’t have to raise your arms but they do like you to go through the metal detector if possible . Can you walk a few steps unaided?
the wheelchair would beep so you need to be out of it. Do you have other injuries apart from the arm in a sling?

If you aren't able to mobilise independently then you absolutely need to stay in the wheelchair. If you are in the wheelchair because you can't walk full distances round the airport then you need to stand and walk if possible. It has to be on individual needs.

@AragornIsGorgeous I use wheelchair assistance at airports and it’s always been a pat down rather than walking through the machines.

Not flown for a few years but I get wheeled through the metal detector, which obviously buzzes, because it is a metal chair. I then get a pat down.

Apart from the impracticalities of the wheelchair, I really don’t want to go through the metal detector.

(I won’t be trying to smuggle anything 🤣)

So, if I were to specifically ask for a pat down without going through the metal detector, can I be refused, OR is it my right to have the pat down INSTEAD of the metal detector?

Where are you flying to and from? Arguing about your “rights” with airport security goes down better in some countries than others, and whilst in the U.K. you’ll be able to request a pat down without too much hassle (though they may take you aside and make you wait) you’re not guaranteed the same treatment elsewhere. Making an ahead request to the destination airport may help, but I’d assume that you may have to go through the scanners on your way home.

My mum flies using assisted travel. Don't think she's ever had to go through the metal detector, think they waved a metal detector thingy at her. I think the checks they did on her were still very stringent.

Why don’t you want to go through the metal detector?

When I was with a colleague they used a hand held metal detector.

Unfortunately you don't get to tell airport security how to do their job.

Why on earth don’t you want to go through the mental detector?

Not that I have wanted to smuggle but using a 'well I am in a wheelchair so of course this means i couldn't possibly smuggle a weapon' plan may not work out all the time

I think it’s likely that you will still need to go through some sort of metal detector, although it’s just like walking through an open doorway, nothing remotely scary.
I think it’s likely that they will be suspicious if you ask not to. People don’t get to pick and choose their security checks, they’re not done for your convenience, but to keep everyone on the plane safe. What is your reason for not wanting the metal detector? If it’s a medical reason they might make accommodations .

Took my mum through in a wheelchair a couple of months ago. At both airports both ways she was asked to get out of the wheelchair (airport assistance provided one) and stand and raise her arms for the scanners.

She was offered a wheelchair from security for the scanner if she couldn’t stand. She didn’t need it as she could stand for a short while.

I don’t think it’s your right to insist on any sort of security, presumably it’s up to the airport or anyone could say they don’t want to go in the scanner 🤷‍♀️

People sitting in wheelchairs can go through the body scanners at airports. They aren’t metal detectors per se, if that helps.

Handheld mental detectors should be available to save time when meeting new people.

I'd be automatically suspicious of anyone that didn't want to go through a metal detector at an airport. There's very, very few medical reasons why you couldn't. And i suspec5 you dont have any if those or you would have mentioned that you have a doctirs letter to show security. So if you're travelling through somewhere like the US be prepared for sone additional time and questioning.

It is highly unlikely they wont metal detector you in some way. You need to contact the airline about assisted travel and ask what their protocols are.

But echoing everyone else here - why exactly are you against being metal detected? You quite literally can’t refuse their security measures if you want to go on that plane.

I'm assuming the OP doesn't want unnecessary radiation exposure?

It depends on the airport setup. Some will wheel wheelchairs through the detectors. You don’t have a right to demand an alternative, unless there’s a valid medical reason why you can’t.You do have a right to decide not to fly though if you don’t like the security procedures.

Why don't you want to go through a metal detector?

Or maybe she just really fancies the pat down

My mum has a pacemaker so doesn't go through the detector, she is taken aside for a pat-down.

Normal airport metal detectors, the ones you just walk through, dont emit the sort of radiation you have to worry about. Think about it - someone working at airport security will pass through one dozens of times a day.

OP in case it's a concern over radiation this article may help. The scanners are not the same as medical X rays which do carry risks

https://www.livescience.com/65671-are-airport-xrays-harmful.html