Flying with false Hip joint

[david small]

I have an artificial hip fitted, and am about to fly out from Gatwick to India. I am concerned about the security machines, metal detectors, etc. How can I avoid setting off alarms, and arousing suspicion? I would hate to miss my flights because of this. All answers appreciated.

[NoGood Boyo]

You should infom the airline as soon as possible, and the Gatwick passenger handling people.This link will take you to Gatwick special needs: www.baa.co.uk/main/airports/gatwick/special_needs_frame.html

[Bangkok]

I would also suggest carrying a letter from your doctor to confirm the position.  Don't worry about setting off the machines, I travel frequently and set them off 90% of the time (they are too sensitive!).  All that normally happens is you get swiped with a hand help detector to confirm what is setting it off (hence the note from your doctor).  I have never missed a flight yet because of security.  If there are a lot of people in the queue for security then they will delay the planes until the backlog is cleared. 

[klinedancer]

My husband has a metal rod in his leg but doesnt always set the machine off, but if he does he just tells the staff,

[david small]

Thanks all. I spoke to Gatwick and was informed that they would use a hand scanner to confirm metal hip. No note needed.

[Ray the DJ]

The metal detectors pick up metal parts hundreds of times a day.  Just tell the security chap that you've had a hip replacement and he'll let you through (after doing a hand search).