I do not mean to quash discussion, but that discussion properly belongs in the Debate forum. However moving two posts form a long discussion to a separate thread would not make a lot of sense.
SO if anyone wants to discuss the pros and cons of a medical note, please feel free to take a discussion to debate.
This doesn't mean that you're not free to point out that a medical letter may NOT do what the bearer hopes it will, as has been pointed out here.
And language like "grope" and "groping" is not appropriate for use here to describe what TSA GENERALLY does.

Thanks for understanding.

squeakr

co Mod TSS

Ok . So what should we call what TSA is doing? I could have a medical note and what do I call the search of me ?

Traveling for the first time after a knee replacement next week ATL-SEA. I use the pre-check line with most every flight. Do I need to forget about this from now on?

....meh

I have two bionic knees, and use pre-check. When I set off the WTMD I'm directed to the scanner and then I opt out. TSA sends my shoes back through and I get the full pat down. Opting out is my choice, but you can choose to go through the scanner if you so desire.

I like the fact that I don't have to take out my freedom baggie or laptop, and I can leave on my suit coat. Plus, I don't wait nearly as long for a female assist to show up as in the other security lines.

Thank you cave pearl for the advice.

My pleasure. My new knees may create new challenges when I travel... but my new knees are awesome!!

CavePearl, my new knee is not awesome yet. Less pain than before, but not perfect. Still too soon. Worried about the travel as that is my life. Haven't been on a plane since Jan 4 and I feel like the world has changed.

It will get better. I am almost five months out on the first knee and three months out on the second. I travel extensively for my job, and my first flight was four weeks after my first TKR. I had the second TKR six weeks after the first, then after another month flew south for a cruise. I've been back on the road ever since. I just give myself a little extra time since I'm still in the healing process and deninitely moving slower than before.

Is it different? Yes, it is. Everything is different. Do I get tired? You bet I do. Much more than before, but I know this is temporary. And, while much of the rest of me may be suffering... my knees are not the problem!

(Sorry OP that we've gone a bit off topic. I just want to reassure people with bionic parts that that travel is still possible, at least from my recent experience.)

Thanks for the encouragement!

Doesn't for me. At LHR, the British agent looked at my "picture" and said he had to check my leg (metal inplant with long screws). He did so, and then said, "Oh, it is quite swollen". I concurred. I seem to get the pat down every time using the mm wave, but only about 1/2 the time with the WTMD. Often, I don't set off an alarm (maybe due to the titanium not being a ferrous metal??).