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Going through security when pregnant
Evening all :)
So Mrs SCB is pregnant with our first child. We're taking a short flight for the Easter weekend (MAN-SNN). Sorry if it's a stupid question but s it safe for pregnant women to pass through the security scanners? Do we have the option for a manual pat-down if we wish for my wife? Apologies - I guess I am just overanxious and looking for reassurance... Thanks in advance! :cool: |
Originally Posted by SteelCityBoy
(Post 20447111)
Evening all :)
So Mrs SCB is pregnant with our first child. We're taking a short flight for the Easter weekend (MAN-SNN). Sorry if it's a stupid question but s it safe for pregnant women to pass through the security scanners? Do we have the option for a manual pat-down if we wish for my wife? Apologies - I guess I am just overanxious and looking for reassurance... Thanks in advance! :cool: If she's visibly pregnant, she should have no problems being directed to the WTMD. If she's not visibly pregnant and she gets directed to the NoS, she can explain that she's pregnant. Depending on the TSO, she may get re-directed to the WTMD or she may get sent for a grope. Good luck! |
I'm not as optimistic as Chollie about your chances in UK airports.
The consensus here is that most people get the WTMD and are on their way, but if you're "chosen" for the nude-o-scope, it's either be scanned or don't fly. I don't believe there's an official exemption for pregnant women, but you may get a decent security agent who gives her a break. Or not. (Paging stifle!) I'm not sure whether MAN still has the x-ray scanner; it's not clear what the risk level is and I would not want a pregnant relative to be scanned with x-ray. |
Originally Posted by RadioGirl
(Post 20450205)
I'm not as optimistic as Chollie about your chances in UK airports.
The consensus here is that most people get the WTMD and are on their way, but if you're "chosen" for the nude-o-scope, it's either be scanned or don't fly. I don't believe there's an official exemption for pregnant women, but you may get a decent security agent who gives her a break. Or not. (Paging stifle!) I'm not sure whether MAN still has the x-ray scanner; it's not clear what the risk level is and I would not want a pregnant relative to be scanned with x-ray. |
Since they are MMW scanners, the general consensus it that it is safe for a pregnant woman.
MAN airport has an explanation here: http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/m...ic-Information The “millimetre wave” technology uses radio waves at a power output many times lower than portable personal devices like mobile phones. The body-scanners can detect a wide range of potential threats to security in a matter of seconds and will be used alongside the airport’s existing security screening systems. .... Is it safe? The UK Government has concluded that the use of this equipment does not pose any risk to health. The scanning equipment does not produce XRAYS, nor does it emit ionising radiation. Can I opt out of passing through the body scanner? The Department for Transport has mandated the use of body scanning equipment under current aviation security legislation, and requires a “no scan, no fly” policy to be enforced. A refusal to pass through the scanner will mean that you will not be permitted to travel. We are not in a position to overrule this requirement. Body Scanners and Pregnancy OR Pacemakers All the technologies deployed have been assessed by government health and safety regulators and have concluded that there are no unacceptable risks to health. Passing through the scanner does not constitute a risk to health for any passenger, including those with pacemakers or internal defibrillators. As walk through metal detectors are still part of the security process please continue to alert security staff of your pacemaker, as you would normally have done. |
Originally Posted by janetdoe
(Post 20452421)
Since they are MMW scanners, the general consensus it that it is safe for a pregnant woman.
MAN airport has an explanation here: http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/m...ic-Information I do think it's funny that their statement about 'Pregnancy and Pacemakers' only talks about Pacemakers, though. :D |
Originally Posted by janetdoe
(Post 20452421)
Since they are MMW scanners, the general consensus it that it is safe for a pregnant woman.
To the OP: as janetdoe's link says MAN is now MMW, here's what I would do if I was pregnant and had to fly out of the UK. 1. I would try to avoid the scanners on general principles (privacy, dignity, speed, being unable to see my belongings). This would mean taking a moment to survey the setup before choosing a lane as far from the scanner as possible, and making sure that I don't have anything that would set off the WTMD. 2. If randomly chosen for the scanner anyway, I would mention that I'm pregnant and hope that I can get excused. (The website suggests that they're not too sympathetic to this approach, and if your wife doesn't have a visible baby bump it might be difficult.) 3. If I had to go through the scanner after all, I would NOT worry afterwards about any health danger from MMW. The worrying itself would be far more dangerous to one's health. Congratulations and I hope you have a pleasant and non-eventful trip! |
Thanks everyone for the input! :)
I have checked also UK Department of Transport website which also states no opt out for pregnant women, but also suggests as other have stated that the consensus is that pregnant women can use body scanners as implemented in UK. Still, will do as others suggest and try to use a line that avoids the body scanner. However, if it happens it happens. Cheers again. |
Just a brief update - Returned from trip today, all OK.
At MAN on outbound - put in line for WTMD, no body scanner. SNN - Straight through WTMD, didn't see any body scanners in operation. Do the Irish even have any? Thanks again for all the pointers - Flyertalk once again proves itself super and invaluable. Now bracing self for the back-to-reality of going back to the office tomorrow :td: |
Curious as to what the FlyerTalk consensus is about using the scanners vs. opting out when pregnant. Do all of you opt out?
I usually travel with a toddler, so I've avoided the scanners for several years now (we get sent through the regular metal detectors), but I was asked to go through a scanner about two months ago when my husband escorted our daughter through the metal detectors first. I opted out, as I was barely out of the first trimester of pregnancy. I have a several more flights coming up before I am officially grounded (some without the toddler), so I'm expecting a lot more chances to be sent through the nude-o-scope. Planning to opt out if forced, but would be interested to know if I might get some consideration with a now-obvious bump. Home airports are SFO and OAK. Anyone have guidance as to treatment of pregnant women in these airports? |
I cannot speak to the pregnancy issue, but at both SFO and OAK recently I have opted out medically by stating I have a rotator cuff injury and cannot raise my arms as required.
Sent straight to the WTMD no questions asked, no demands for a doctor's note to prove a shoulder injury. |
Originally Posted by spd476
(Post 20452920)
What do they do with insulin pumps? Most manufacturers say not to use either type of scanner and they definitely can't go through the baggage x-ray.
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Can't comment on US but one thing I learnt when researching this whole issue was that the UK does not allow ANY opt out, it would seem, for pregnancy or any other reason :rolleyes:
Are the UK scanners slightly different to the US ones, or am I just imagining this? |
Originally Posted by catandmouse
(Post 20636876)
I wear an insulin pump and I guess I've been lucky so far, as I travel frequently to the UK and have so far avoided any whole body scanners. In the US, I've come across them a couple of times, notably SAN, and each time I've simply explained the situation and I was patted down pretty courteously and swabbed. If I do end up at a body scanner in the UK and am not given a choice, I will advise the person responsible that the pump has not been cleared for the device, that by European law they are obliged to offer an alternative method of screening and that if the pump is damaged as a result of the screening I would hold them responsible for it. I would then go through the scanner.
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Originally Posted by onlyairfare
(Post 20635408)
I cannot speak to the pregnancy issue, but at both SFO and OAK recently I have opted out medically by stating I have a rotator cuff injury and cannot raise my arms as required.
Sent straight to the WTMD no questions asked, no demands for a doctor's note to prove a shoulder injury. |
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