Today was my first time using the TSA precheck benefit from my newly minted NEXUS, trusted traveler card. I was flying out of DCA to SYR. I passed through the nearly empty precheck line, Put my bags through the scanner, put my watch, phone, keys wallet etc in the dish and sent that through the scanner.
I still had to pass through the metal detector. I knew this would be a problem, I have two knee replacements and I always set off the buzzer, and I did this time. I immediately told the attendant about my knees. But, she said I had to get a body scan. I was escorted to the body scanner, about 100 feet away and allowed to get ahead of the line. Meanwhile my bags, watch, wallet etc. are sitting on the belt way over there, out of sight. So they pick up on the metal in the lower part of my body and wand and pat me down. I was given the OK and I returned to my possessions and gathered them up. Everything worked out OK, this time.
There must be a better way. When I was in Austria, recently, they asked if I had Knee replacements and directed me to put my leg, one at a time, between these two pillars. I assume they x-rayed or did some metal scan of my leg. That was it. It was very fast and easy.
Is this something that happens frequently to others? Many people have artificial joints, I have a card my doctor gave me, but they ignore that. I really like the precheck privilege of keeping my shoes on and leaving my laptop in my bag. Any suggestions?