…sigh….

As one of the less-painful-but-more-annoying aspects of being an amputee is traveling by plane.

Every time I need to fly, like most other people who currently do not have TSA pre-check, once I get past the initial security screening (which recently seems to just mean I stick my ID into a machine and let the TSA agent confirm it’s me), I have to place in separate TSA bins

• my jacket
• my purse
• my laptops
• my cellphone
• anything else I’m holding (usually my boarding pass and ID)

Then set on the conveyor-belt thing

• my carry-on bag
• my cane

Then, someone inevitably asks me to take off my shoes – so I point to my leg (I either wear a skirt or leggings) and they apologize.

Then I stand in the x-ray machine, hands over my head.

Then I walk out and ALWAYS get an additional pat down, waved with the hand scanner, and then swabbed (my hands and prostheses) for an “explosive device” check.

And all of this additional screening takes a while, so my stuff piles up on the conveyor belt, though some TSA agents try to be helpful and move it out of the way. Or if I’m travelling with someone, they grab it.

But, seriously. It’s all…a bit much. Here’s a nice “what to expect when you’ll be flying” from the Amputee Coalition providing more insight to the process.

I’m not exactly sure why all of this additional screening is necessary. I’m not sure what they’re looking for. From me, anyway.

I blame the movies where people are transporting cocaine in their cane tips, and have machine guns for legs.

I have neither. Also, I can’t run and I’m pretty easy to pick out of a crowd.

Realistically, I realize the additional screening and attention is all for the safety of everyone. Yes, I say I’m good and not a threat, but isn’t that what (some) bad people also say?

It’s still…not great…

Let’s end on a positive note: I was today years old when I learned that TSA Cares can provide Screening Support or Passenger Support Specialists if you need additional help when flying. You just fill out a form at least 72 hours prior to your flight, and they’ll meet you at the airport to help you out. Who knew?!?!