Polite_Passenger

I'm new to this board, although I've lurked here as an observer for many years in order to be prepared for my airport-based travel when flying back-and-forth between the West Coast and Midwest.

This spring, I'm going to be moving from California back to the Midwest where I grew up. My first stage of the trip is from MSP to BUR (in late-April or early-May) to get my belongings either sold or packed/shipped, and then from BUR back to MSP during the first week in June. This entire moving/relocation process is extremely painful for me -- for a variety of reasons that I don't have the energy to go into right now. I can say that, once I'm settled back in with my parents, I'm not sure whether I will ever be using an airport for travel ever again.

I'm claustrophobic and suffer from high anxiety and panic attacks. For example, I can't use an elevator unless there's literally another person/people in there with me. So I cannot use the full-body scanner, due to both the claustrophobic element of it as well as the outright humiliation factor (I'm not a prison inmate!).

I've opted out many times before, and I literally have never had any problem with the TSO giving me a patdown. Although I can understand how victims of sexual assault/abuse would be uncomfortable with it, I have no objection to getting a patdown as an alternative to the body scanners.

Incidentally, I also have no problem once I'm aboard the plane, neither with takeoffs nor landings. But, here's why things are different for me, this time around: ever since the mid-December announcement where they quietly "modified" the ability of passengers to opt-out, I've been terrified about the prospect of flying. I actually had to cancel my intended flight back from MSP to BUR earlier this winter (mid-January), largely because this fear has been so paralyzing to me. Other non-airplane modes of transportation aren't viable options for me, due to expense (driving) or safety (Amtrak).

Due to the nature of this situation, I'm probably going to be in tears even before I reach the airport. I'm an adult in his early-thirties with Aspergers Syndrome, so although my intelligence level is pretty high, I really do struggle emotionally and when it comes to anxiety. The front check-in counter always lets my parents accompany me through security and to the gate; my parents don't quite understand why I can't use the full-body scanner, but they are definitely sensitive to my needs.

I realize that many TSOs probably have a lack of awareness when it comes to physical vs. mental disabilities (in terms of TSA training). But, again, I honestly have no problem with being physically patted down or "wanded" ahead of time; if that's what they need to do for them to be confident that I'm not a safety threat, then so be it. I'm always very cordial and cooperative with the TSO during the patdown process.

But if they try to force me to use the scanner, I *WILL* have a panic attack. And if they don't let me fly, I won't be able to complete my relocation.

One person who I've spoken to, recently, recommended that I consider disclosing my medical condition to the airport security ahead of time, rather than just hoping I'll get a TSO/supervisor who's nice enough to let me do a traditional opt-out by my own choice. And yes, I realize that my medical condition is none of the TSA's business in the first place...but I have no problem with them knowing about it as long as it gets me through security with minimal stress/anxiety.

Does anyone have any advice for me? Preemptive actions I can take, so I can get through security as smoothly as possible without being delayed for my flight -- and without my laptop getting damaged by some clumsy TSO?

Or any suggestions about which airline to take? I've traditionally flown on United (as a United Mileage Plus Explorer cardholder)...but for this particular round-trip itinerary, I've been considering booking with Southwest since they allow two checked pieces of luggage (which will be particularly helpful to me on the return leg of my trip, in early-June).

I really need help, because my window-of-time to book a flight is running out.

Doc Savage

Ask your doctor for a letter which simply states that for medical reasons you are not able to use the scanner. It doesn't need to be any more specific than that.

Good luck!

chgoeditor

Get PreCheck ASAP? Presuming you're at airports/terminals where it's in use, you increase the likelihood that you'll only be subjected to the walk-through medical detector.

dtsm

Any chance you can get a friend to accompany you? That would help...

Polite_Passenger

My parents will be with me while going through security on my MSP to BUR leg of the trip. But like I said, my parents don't have any problems going through the full body scanners themselves...so they don't quite understand my fear/anxiety/hangup when it comes to that.

The trip back, in early-June (from BUR to MSP) is a little more problematic. I'll be all by myself for a few weeks while I pack up and ship as much as I can, back at my home in the SFV. I have been considering the possibility of asking a friend to go with me, on the morning I'd fly out, to help me with getting assistance before I depart through security. Also, it might be easier than me booking (and waiting on) a SuperShuttle ride and worrying about whether that shuttle will pick me up on time.

7Continents

Although I haven't been to these airports, I've traveled extensively and never been to an airport where the only choice was scanner or go home. It won't be easy but get in touch with the individual airports and find out what they have. Along with a qualified MD note on letterhead rather than a piece of laser paper with a stamp, I can't imagine you not having an alternative.

JIMM_in_MD

I have some anxiety tendencies as you describe but not as severe. I have not found what are my triggers yet.

I agree the medical letter has merit - but perhaps insert the term "panic attack" since it could be easily understandable by TSA staff.

The travel from MSP-BUR gives you an opportunity at BUR to scope out the TSA area during a less threatening situation (since just visiting). Perhaps you could speak with a TSA supervisor at that time and get some comfort in making contact.

Having a friend in BUR help on departure sounds like a perfect situation for both getting to the airport and help getting thru security. Skipping the SuperShuttle waiting period might help with starting off in a good mental state that day.

Any chance certain smells can help take you to a good place and calm down the spiral - having the smell on a cloth or tissue might be a good way to catch yourself while waiting on the TSA line for example.

Best of luck on your move and the flight.

lalismom

I can so relate to your thoughts and feelings. The advice here has been good...here's my take, in addition...try calling the airport directors office. Ask them what they might suggest...and a connection to reach TSA. It may be more work, but it might better target the easiest route to avoid hassles. One time I was going to college and the newbies had to park at the furthest most point. I needed to know I had my own escape access, i.e. my car outside my dorm. I was an adult, not an 18 year old....I contacted the campus police dept with a letter stating the issues and why...and I was given a student/faculty pass to be able to be close. Never ever forgot the guys name or his kindness (chief of campus police). You never know...and if they aren't of help, you've got all these other kind folks suggestions. But yes, the easiest is probably a statement from the MD or PhD I presume you might have. The Precheck thing as well, though not clear if you have enough time for that. Hoping all goes well for you and in the future too. You're not alone in this I'm sure. Hugs.

lalismom

just thought of something additional: I was very impressed with SWA when my elder parents recently flew...on their website, when booking, they have a fantastic page allowing for identifying passenger disabilities...so it can be noted in the record to begin with AND you could also get a non-passenger escort pass...so someone could accompany you to the gate I would expect...but they as well as you would still have to go through security...but if you also have the Medical letter...I would think this might help...and I'm sure other airlines must have similar?

smc333

Due to a medical condition I have to undergo a procedure that I find terrifying on a regular basis. It got worse and worse, until it was so bad that I was shaking, on the verge of tears, and almost to the point of vomiting and/or passing out.

After that episode, I talked to my PA about it, and was prescribed Valium. And it worked well. The fear was still there but it took the edge off so it didn't boil over into sobbing terror. I was worried about how it would affect my personality, how "in control" I would be, etc but that wasn't a problem at all. I was the same "me" as usual, just minus the terror.

Polite_Passenger

Well, there definitely isn't enough time for me to get approved for PreCheck between now and when I'm supposed to go back. That's something I'd have to consider doing once I'm settled back in with my parents, since it would involve changing my state-of-residence as well.

I'm not sure what my sentiments will be on using the airports / flying, in the future, depending on where TSA decides to go with this. If, at a certain point, they state (and get federal approval) that AIT will be the ONLY available form of screening across-the-board, I can't imagine I'll ever fly again.

thefareguru

About your choice of airlines, remember that it's not like the old days where a round-trip ticket was cheaper than a 1-way. Take 1 airline eastbound and the other westbound if it suits you.

Yes, the luggage fees are a rectal pain. In the end, you must analyze which option is the most stress-free, even if one costs more. Whichever has you feeling the least amount of stress before you leave for the airport is the one you should take.

Polite_Passenger

For me, because of the fact that I'm relocating permanently, having the two free checked bags would be a definite plus. To my knowledge, Southwest is the only airline that does this.

The other factor is that it helps alleviate my anxiety level if I have Priority Boarding, or a higher boarding group (i.e. Zone 2 or Zone 3). With my current United Mileage Plus membership, I already get priority boarding (I don't recall if it's Zone 2 or 3). However, if I choose a different airline, I need to be aware of what's going to put me in the boarding group that's closer to the front of the pack.

The main reason for this is because my one allowed carry-on will contain my laptop. And I don't want to be forced to put that carry-on bag on the annoying little cart outside of the plane for when the overhead bins get full. I don't trust the luggage handlers not to accidentally break/damage my laptop.

One of my biggest pet peeves are those passengers who stuff a huge wheeled suitcase in the overhead compartment -- and, since I only have a small carry-on bag (containing my laptop), I don't see why it's unreasonable for me to be able to have a small space in the overhead area where I can store my little bag. But if I'm relegated to Boarding Zone 4 or 5, I'm afraid I'll get the short end of the stick.

Does anyone have any advice, as it pertains to my eventual choice of airlines?

Eye of Storm

Regarding this particular aspect of your situation, I suggest keeping your laptop in a laptop sleeve, so that if you do need to gate-check or valet-check your carry-on bag, then you can simply remove yourlaptop (in its sleeve) and carry that on with you. Even if you're forced to give up your bag, you won't have to leave your laptop in it.

JIMM_in_MD

Look into the SWA Business Select fare class. It guarantees you in the priority boarding group - the first 30-45 passengers.

It gives you pick of overhead space for your carry-ons. Also a good choice of available seats. Continuing passengers get on first but that normally is only a few.

It also gives you the ability to change the flight in case of a bad experience in TSA - however it would be less likely you could get the BusinessSelect boarding place on short notice.

The fare is higher than the GetAway fare but not much higher than the Anytime fare. There are only a limited number of seats available so have to book earlier.