I had an above knee amputation when I was 12 and I currently have a prosthetic leg, anyway when I was on my way to France with a class field trip, I was not aware I had to tell them about my leg (I was 13 and had never been on a plane before) anyway the sensors started going crazy and TSA and an officer were right there patting me down and all the sudden the TSA says “what’s up with your leg?” And I said “oh it was cut off last year” and the officer and TSA looked at me with utter shock and let me continue walking......😂😂 funniest experience

“Can’t ask someone in a wheelchair to stand up” literally airport security asked me and I was at the time mid passing out and they insisted I had to be out of it so my dad carried me through... honestly people are messed up

When the setup is practical, I take off my leg and throw it on the conveyor with the other shoe. Then I hop through the screening. TSA isn't allowed to say that you can do this, but they appreciate the time saved.

youtube recommendation: what you need to know as an amputee going through airport security me, has all my limbs and rarely travels: ah yes I will watch this

You say they aren’t allowed to say we have to remove our legs... I was traveling from LAX to Canada in 2014 and got into an argument with TSA that ended in me being detained and missing my flight. The guy from TSA had demanded I remove my leg (I’m an above knee amputee) and told me he needed to dismantle the hydraulic cylinder of the prosthetic knee because he didn’t know what was in it. I refused to strip down and take my leg off and also flatly refused to allow them to take apart (it was a brand new Ottobock Genium and I wasn’t going to have them take apart my 65K$ knee and void the warranty!!). He got mad and called his superego sided with him. The argument continued and then I was handcuffed and taken to a detainment room for “being uncooperative”. After six and a half hours I was finally put on a flight home. It was not a good experience and filing a formal complaint got me nowhere. Not even a simple apology.

Former TSA Agent here: The full screening is really unnecessary. They can wand you over the rest of your body and then do the chemical test on your leg. The only reason you are getting the full screening is a BS internal quota that each airport has. They have to do "X" amount a month to justify their existence.

I have been asked to stand up from a wheelchair before. One of my legs is paralysed and I can sometimes use crutches, but I was recovering from an injury in my "healthy" leg and was fully chairbound. They forced me to crawl through the metal detector. Most dehumanising and demeaning experiences I've had in my life, I'd say. Didn't get assistance to get back into my chair, either.

I’ve had 11 spinal surgeries. Although I’m not obviously physically impaired, I carried a letter from my Orthopedic surgeon stating that I’d set off the airport metal detector due to my steel implants. The last time I flew I was accosted at the check-in gate by a woman with the wand that detects hidden metal on passengers. I told her my story, showed her my letter, and expected the normal routine of having the wand run over the metal laden area then allowed to board. She refused and told me I was lying. It was summer … I had on shorts and a tank top … so I’m not sure where or how she thought I was smuggling a metal ?something? in my spine. I was going to miss my flight so I asked to see her supervisor. Refusal was immediate. In order to get to my mother’s funeral I had to endure this person lift up my top in front of other passengers so she could look for whatever. She wouldn’t even try to provide a more private place! I was embarrassed and angry, but wasn’t going to fly if I didn’t give in to the “search”. Not quite like your prosthetic limb, but I haven’t flown since. It’s cheaper to take the train, where you’re not accused of packing lead. Thanks, Air Canada!

1:09 going to push back on that. There's a lot of research and evidence showing that TSA and flight security doesn't make us safer. It makes us feel safer, but does a very poor job at actually catching threats

Unfortunately, as a wheelchair user, I am asked to stand up going through security. They usually ask me if I can stand and walk through the scanner, which I can. The problem is that after I walk through the scanner, I'm forced to stand on the other side, without mobility aids, while they swab down my wheelchair, which is borderline impossible for me to do. I've tried telling them a few times "I can walk, but I can't stand on the other side." and that just confuses them, so now I just elect to stay in my chair and have them pat me down, even though, like you said, it's an awkward experience.

Security in every other country I've been to is so peaceful. You go through the scanner, they check every single item in your carry on bag, the yahoos who packed actually shady things like guns or hunting knives are taken away for further questioning and regular tourists just trying to travel get to move on without being molested. It's a great system every other country has.

I travel with a wheelchair a lot. A shock for me was when I traveled to the EU. They checked my wheelchair to my destination and provided gate-to-gate wheelchair service, including priority boarding, and a cordoned-off area for all of their clients in the center of the airport for access to everything. They went and got food for me once, and wheeled me to the food kiosk another time.

It’s so interesting to hear you say you’d virtually never been hassled at TSA pre amputation because as a visibly Muslim woman I get patted down and tested for bomb residue every single trip regardless of if I ring up on the scanner. I’m always the sideshow attraction at tsa 🥴 I’m getting a service dog soon so that’ll be a real treat lol

In November 2002, I flew from Seattle to Orlando to spend the holidays with my mother. I had broken my femur and had enough internal fixation to build a small car. I had a feeling that with that much steel I was bound to set off any bells and whistles they may have. So... I wore shorts to the airport (of course it was snowing when I left, that's my kind of luck) and brought my x-rays. That way they could see the scar, have something to compare it to and note where their wand would beep and where it wouldn't. Just as a precaution, I loosened the laces on my shoes and used one of their wheelchairs instead of my cane. Though walking unaided was difficult, I was able to stand for them to wave that wand. It went quite well. But I must say, that since then security has gotten tighter and tighter. I take trains now. Sure it takes longer, but the views are incredible and you don't have to get groped.

I have a friend who refers to that type of search as the "third date pat-down."

Passengers with disabilities and medical conditions can utilize TSA Cares and have a Passenger Support Specialist assist through security. Call in advance or ask at the airport. Extremely helpful.

My whole amputation started on a trip to the US (I live in Saskatchewan Canada) I had to fly home immediately after getting 3rd degree burns to the bottoms of both feet. After a gong show at the airport to get a ticket, another story for another day, I was booked as an assisted flight. I currently wore AFO braces on both lower legs. (they are a thick polimer/plastic type stuff, similar to what prosthetics are made from, with metal buckels and velcro to attach them. My legs were thouroughly wrapped in soo much gauze from the stop at the hospital as well. They wheeled me to the gate and from there I had to go down a flight of stairs and walk out on the tarmac to the plane (a whopping 20ish seater) and struggle to get up the little stairs with the bungie cord type rails (ok, I had a hard time with stairs before my burns and amputation due to nerve damage..) This was a nightmare for me. I felt like I was flyin out of hicksville somewhere tiny or something....it was the Penneylvania Inernational Airport at Harrisburg...ugg. Made it to Toronto's Pearson Inter. Airport. Get down the stairs....to be left out in the middle of the tarmac alone with no clue where to go (as the swelling had increased and I was in sooo much pain and was moving sooo much slower now) everyone was gone by the time I hit the tarmac, a creepy odd feeling to say the least. I started slowly limping along to the only door I could see...we were NOT close to the building. Finally a wonderful lady saw me and shouted to stay put and returned with a wheelchair. I showed her my ticket and she made a few radio calls and we were finally getting somewhere. Inside I was handed off to someone new who took me to the beginning of security, but from there said I was on my own to get through untill I could get to the benches on the other side where a golf cart would pick me up. ugg some assisted flight.... so after trying to explain and handing them the note from the ER doc, I finally got them to understand I couldn't take off my shoes and braces (dr wrote to leave them on till reaching hospital at home, basically they'd swell too fast to get them back on). Then they told me I couldn't use my cane...my legs were litterally shaking and I was ready to collapse at this point. It took 25 mins for them to finally "allow me" the benefit of a ski pole type thing to hang on to while they dismantled and checked mine. They made me take off my belt, which I get, and literally undo my jeans...talk about invasive. After another 20 mins of bullshit not listening that the wand was going off where the buckles on my braces were, and pulling my pantlegs up to show them (might I add, they didn't care about the large bag of perscription meds or any of the odd medical supplies in my purse and carryon) they finally let me do up my jeans and procede to that glorious bench...which I ALMOST made it too. Fell on the floor about 5 feet short when both legs finally gave out. Ironically it was just as the cart was pulling up and the driver and another person passing by helped me up and on to the cart. The man asked if he could stop me somewhere for food on the way to my gate as I had 2 hrs till advance boarding...it was now 1pm and I hadn't eaten since 10am the day before, well other than the granola bar a janitor at the airport gave me the night before, did I mention I slept on a bench all night at the airport because the 3 outboud to Toronto flights for the evening had been cxl'c? Hadn't even realized in my pain and exhaustion just HOW hungry I was....I thanked him so much and he helped me off and stood with me in the A&W line and helped me back on the cart. Dropped me off at the gate and sent me on my way... From there I only had to walk to the plane and sit and fly home, get off and out of the airport, and wait for my ride to the hospital. In short...security can be absolute HELL,and that was BEFORE my prosthetic....thanks to those few who truly made bigger differences than they will ever know though. I hope no one EVER goes through something like I did....and trust me this is the quick undetailed version... oh yah, and it was my birthday...whoopee!

My dad is an amputee and he went on a cruise, almost every port he got off at he wore shorts and after setting off the medical detectors was asked if he had any metal anywhere. He said he couldn't help but stifle a laugh every time but knew it was protocol and was happy to put aside the extra time floor his searches ☺

I've had my wheelchair taken away from me 3 times! It's a serious problem because it wasn't just me. It's literally some airports policy. I want to do something change this but I don't know how. Any ideas? One of those times was, because of their "rescheduling", was a 9 hour layover (ended up being 11). They were like "This is your gate. I'm taking the wheelchair now". I was like "Do you expect me to sit at this gate and not move for the next 9 house? What if I have to go to the bathroom? Do I drag myself there?" She responded by explaining that the "layover wheelchair services" were something you could only get once you were there and that I would have to stand in line for. I asked if I could use the wheelchair long enough to go through the line to get the other wheelchair. She said no. So, apparently, the only way to get a wheelchair for a layover is to STAND in line... Anyways, even after ending up unconscious, they claim it wasn't their fault because I didn't hit my head hard enough to get a concussion.

I'm really glad I found your channel. I'm not an amputee but my boyfriend is. He lost both of his legs at the knee and I want to understand what he goes through better. I feel like when I ask too many questions that I hurt his feelings sometimes, so you being so open and honest is really nice.

As a person in a wheelchair I find it hilarious (and somewhat sad) that airport security has never figured out better ways of working with people with disabilities.

i am a survivor as well, and my first flight in five years was my first pat down ever.. going between my legs was so very unpleasant.. i was SO cranky. SO upset. I eventually got over but it took me a good week to feel sane again.

Sounds like US airport security has lost the plot! I went through international security (returning to Australia from New Zealand - on a British passport) and when Mum and I both set off the metal detectors they waved the wands over us and asked a couple of questions. Mum has a knee replacement and I have plate and screws in my femur, both of us were wearing shorts and able to show our scars which was enough for a pass. The degradation that the TSA puts you through is, frankly, harassment and I'm surprised that it hasn't been called out as infringement of personal rights.

I had to take an airplane home after a fairly intense ankle surgery a few years ago. I couldn't walk, so I had to use a knee scooter; security was stressful and they made me stand for around an hour before they got to me to do my swabbing (which was painful because you know .... balancing most of my weight on one leg). But on the topic of airports in general being inaccessible, the real problem was getting to my seat on the plane. I spoke to the staff prior to boarding to make sure they knew I wasn't able to walk, and they said it totally wouldn't be a problem. When it came time to board, though, I made it down the ramp and then was asked to hop the length of the plane on one foot to get to my seat. I was terrified of jostling my foot and prolonging the healing, so I asked the crew to get the aisle weelchair to help me get to my seat. They then said the entire aiport didn't have one. I asked if they were certain, because people who can't walk have to be able to get onto the plane somehow. During this very condescending and confusing conversation, boarding continued behind me, so everyone just stared as I tried to anxiously stutter my way into insisting aisle wheelchairs have to be on-hand somewhere. They did eventually find one, and they strapped me to it and then slowly wheeled me to my seat while everyone already sitting down stared at me and the person wheeling me down complained about having to do it. I definitely cried the entire time they pulled me to my seat lmao

"You know, for me, before I had my amputation, airport security was really never that big of a deal!" me: *laughs in North African descent*

Footless Jo I've only ever had 1 experience with airlines and I was asked to get out of my wheelchair and when I said no I was told that if I don't I was going to be arrested My children were with me and my mum also my girls were only 10 and 13 just turned it was the day after her bday So when my mum saw what was going on she informed them that I can't stand they decided to get a woman officer take me into a side room where I could lean on something so I could be checked I was very upset as I could hear my daughter's crying outside of the room But after about 2 hrs we all managed to get on the plane and enjoyed the holiday in USA Disney

So fun story! I have a rod in my tibia and I screw through my pelvis from a car wreck and I tell officers at airport security this before I go through the metal detector. Well last time I flew out of Orlando international they maybe didn't listen or just didn't care and pulled me aside for a pat down. Earlier that day I had been feeling gas cans because there was a hurricane on the way... When they swabbed my hands for chemicals there was still gas residue... I failed their little test. Then they pulled me aside again for a complete search of my bag, a complete pat down, and another swab of my hands... I feel your pain.

So I appreciate the attempt at security, but the TSA has been shown over and over to care about things that don't matter and not care about things that do. This is supposedly an attempt to prevent bombings, but who would send an amputee to do the bombing, especially with the bomb in her leg? Literally no one. How many bombings have been attempted by an amputee concealing a bomb in her prosthetic? This is basically the definition of security theater. The last attempted bombing of a US aircraft was in 2010, and was a cargo plane with a package bomb inside (the attempt failed). The last attempted terrorist passenger airline bombing originating in the US was Richard Reid (the shoe bomber - he's why we take off our shoes in airline security now) in 2001. The underwear bomber attempted to fly into Detroit from Denmark in 2009. As far as I'm aware, the TSA has never actually caught an attempted bomber (passengers got the underwear and shoe guys), and in previous published tests, missed 95% of fake threats (tests by the TSA itself, in which their agents tried to sneak stuff, like simulated explosives and guns, past security). The agents themselves are doing the best they can, but this security model is a complete failure, in addition to being a hassle for everyone and a special hassle for anyone who has any noticeable differences from "the norm". For that, we paid $8.6 billion in 2021, and about $120 billion since it was founded in 2001. Sorry, that was a bit of a rant; if you read this far, thanks for paying attention :-)

I know they have to do it but as an amputee when I get the full search it makes me feel wretched. First time it happened I walked away and burst into tears. It has prevented me from flying within the United States. In the fall I flew to London, England I was dreading going though the airport security on the way back. However they did not do the full pat down. All I had to do was go through the 3D scanner and then they checked me with the wand and then did the swab to check for illegal substances. It was much less harrowing.But as someone else said earlier the bonus is you get to pick your seat ahead of time at no extra charge and no chance of being bumped. So at least that is a bonus😊

Hey Jo! I’m not an amputee, but I am a Latin person living in Europe so I also get the extra check every time I travel. I have to travel a lot for work and this doesn’t happen to any of my coworkers. I have to considered extra time when I travel as well. It’s super embarrassing to be touch in front of everyone, specially cause it’s super obvios this random selection is totally racially biased, but whatever. Sorry you have to do this extra step now, but how awesome it is that you’re finally walking around in sunshine ☀️

I’m almost always searched like that. I’ve never had a bad experience. Most of the time the officers are very understanding of my situation. I’m diabetic and I have severe joint issues. So I wear a ton of braces and KT tape. I also wear an insulin pump and a continuous glucose monitor. Every single time I’m searched they always ask if there are any places they need to be very gentle with. Occasionally (mostly after a procedure) it is too painful to touch near the site. So I always make sure that if there is a spot like that, I wear clothes that show or can easily show it. Everyone has been so kind and respectful. As I am a minor, they make sure to be polite and offer separate rooms, etc. it was really embarrassing the first couple of times but I have gotten over that. I travel a lot to see family.

I wear a leg brace, and when I've flown, I always get taken out of line for the search. Everything you've described it so true! I make it fun for myself and try to make things subtilty awkward. Maybe mumble that their hands are cold, but soft and caring, or maybe a light moan as they search. I did find out that carbon fiber doesn't alert most metal detectors, though.

I went through airport security one day after dyeing my hair. Of course, the tests went off, because of the chemicals used in hair dye...

During Paralympics I saw a Twitter post where during the flight an athletes chair was wrecked and quite a few people shared similar experiences - where those wheel chairs are custom made - and in case for the athletes meant they could not compete or others had their holiday ruined. This could ofc be affected by sample bias.

I'm one month out from my double amputation and your videos have been helping me. Thank you!

As a trans man it's so wild to me that you've had a mostly positive experience with the TSA, they have always been absolutely horrible to me (at least in america, thank you TSA lady in London who actually treated me like a human person) They have always been extremely invasive, ignored my explanations of things, and have *repeatedly* told me to strip in public because they thought my packer or binder were actually contraband. There have been times where I intentionally traveled pretending to be a cis woman because I knew if I went to the airport as myself I would be in for the same nightmare as always.

I see that the clock on the wall has finally moved. Does this mean it's a real clock and you finally changed the battery? Wow! Eyeliner looks great!

As someone who works regularly in nuclear plants, getting wanded and patted down by security is a normal daily occurrence because I always set off the metal detector. So when I go through the airport it's pretty much expected.

I see you as a kind friendly person who’s been through horrible things but has overcome. I don’t see sunshine but learning about her is cool. ❤️

Hey Jo! I know that I dreaded airport security the most when traveling that it would sometimes take the fun/excitement away from getting to go somewhere new. Often times when I was younger, I would have my dad tell the TSA that I use a prosthetic leg before going through the metal detector but there were a few times when this just made things worse. I did experience more than once when I had to take my prosthetic off so they could run it through the conveyer belt. This was quite traumatizing for me as a child because not only was I already self conscious of using my a prosthesis but this would often take more time and people behind us would be watching waiting for us to be done. Obviously I know these security measures are put in place for a reason and for our safety, but as a kid having to go through this every time I traveled put a damper on the fun of traveling. I appreciate you Jo for shedding the light for what new amputees can likely expect to happen when going through airports❤️

Wait wait wait! When I took my grandma to Hawaii I requested wheelchair assistance. They made us check her wheelchair. And through TSA they made her stand up to search her 😳 however thanks to Chicago airport we almost missed our plane because the wait for wheelchair assistance we got to the airport 3 hours early and it took 2 hours to wait for a wheelchair since they made us check hers. But when we flew back from Hawaii they didn’t request her to stand up. Just watching your video you said “they can’t make you stand up” it just made me think of my grandma.

My tip is wear leggings and a tight shirt and they'll give one look at you and realize they really don't need to feel you. I once saw the cogs in a tsa agents mind wondering if they really NEED to with me.

Thank you for telling me we do NOT have to take off our shoes to go through airport security. I did not know this. I have mobility issues and sometimes it's so difficult to get my shoes on and off. I just thought it was mandatory.

As someone with an insulin pump(that I’ve had since I was 13) and a service dog for a couple of years I completely understand what you go through at the airport. The worst was going with a service dog because I had to walk through with just her collar on her and then stand there leaning down holding her for so long. I’ve also had the residue tests every time and only failed once presumably from some sort of medicine

I know this scenario quite well. Flew twice with my leg in a cast, and got the whole swab down thing, though I did not remove my cast shoe because I wasn't risking damaging my cast and being away from home. Wife has pain stimulator implanted, and even with medical device card stating this, still gets extra attention. Conspiracy theorist in me says it is just a way to relieve airport congestion, because any distance I can drive in 4 to 6 hours is easier than flying by the time I have to arrive early at the airport, go through screening, wait on a flight delay or have to make a connection, then wait for my bag (hopefully, not lost). Plus I have a car with me when I get there.

As someone who’s never been on an airplane this lowkey sounds terrifying

I've noticed that my backpack seems to be selected for a "random" extra manual check in the security check more often the last few years. But they already just take a very brief peek inside and give it back. The last time I finally figured out why, I think: it's probably my collapsible walking cane I've started carrying everywhere (since my hyper mobile joints often makes one foot or the other painful to put full pressure on). And I guess 3 long pieces of metal pipe looks very suspicious on an x-ray image, but when you open the bag and see the wooden handle it's probably very obvious what it is.

I'm not a amputee but I have like full armor on my legs that keep them straight. So airport's are really funny. They must check all space between and in this armor to check if I did have stuff there. And it can take more than 30 min! It give me a lot of problems but I can use special line in airports and chose my place in airplane! So by the end of the day it's really helpfull 😎

Half of my left leg (a little under my knee) has been amputated and that really helped me! I'm going to fly in two weeks and was really worried about the security check, cause i haven't flew since y amputation a year ago! That's how I found your channel today and I really appreciate your video! I will watch more of your videos and can't wait for new tips and tricks! I was really worried about being forced to take of my prosthetic because I kinda can't stand seeing my stump! I will follow your little guide and appreciate your effort making this video! You took some of my fear away today! ^^

Flying has really become a pain in the neck. Whenever I have to fly, I prefer to be there at least two hours before boarding. Mostly it is overkill, but the one time I thought „nah, it’s gonna be totally fine if I leave home an hour later“...what do you know, I got stuck in traffic, had to walk about a mile from the parking space to security, and then the place was absolutely packed. I made jt just in time with two other guys. The other occasion was at O‘Hare Int‘l. Chock full right in the middle of the summer holidays. I was traveling with a bunch of photo equipment and BOY, did the TSA guys take their sweet time checking it. They were nice and polite all the time, but then I did not want to kick up a fuss because there was still a slim chance that I’d catch my flight. You know those PA announcements you hear all the time at the airport about „This is the final call for Johnny Whatshisface booked on flight 123 to Nopetown“? The ones that you never see anyone reacting to in any obvious manner? Well, the moment I stepped out of the TSA area, I was that person getting the „final call“. And it was probably the fastest quarter mile dash I have ever run, with that big camera case in tow. Doors on the aircraft were closed before I had reached my seat. Not an experience I want to repeat. Now imagining that on top of being an amputee? Yikes. That sounds like something else entirely. Thanks for your insights! While I am not am amputee myself nor have anyone in my life with this condition, I like learning about what other people experience. So I really appreciate the time and effort you put in those videos.

Thankyou young lady, you have just educated a lot of people with the knowledge of what goes on in life for amputees who travel. Good knowledge for everyone to share to others who dont have computers etc and there are lots who dont have this luxury

This why I love your page! You share so many thinks people are afraid to ask but wonder

Traveling with any disability can be frustrating. I’ve had the whole body search, my service dog has been swabbed, my medications have been flagged, and one time I had my sole-nutrition formula questioned. I just know to alert the airport ahead of time through TSA Cares and plan extra time. Stressing doesn’t help!!!

Jo you’ll find this is your experience in the US. You’ll find other countries are not so paranoid and intrusive!

I am flying for the first time this weekend. I am a below the knee amputee and I am a bit nervous about the process as an amputee but this video gives me some peace of mind. Thank you for taking the time to make this.

Brilliant video Jo. As a traveller with disabilities, deaf and Stroke survivor, I need great support getting through Airports. Without exception I've found airport personnel more than willing to guide and support through the chaos that is airports. It helps to wear a lanyard telling people I'm deaf as it's an invisible disability and can cause misunderstandings when I don't react as hoped. I'm not sure if I'm right but much more disabled people seem to be flying, companies have woken up to be the best for aged and disabled passengers. Top marks to Jet2 for being the best. 💘

Lol.... I live next to an open pit coal mine, and the particles from the explosives float in the air and in-bed themselves into things. Right after 9-11 I was going on a trip to California and my suitcase set the alarms off. They tore that sucker apart, and than I had to have family and friends vouch for me that I wasn't a terrorist, it was just because of all the coal mines. It was scary.

Thank you for posting this. This is one of my biggest apprehensions with traveling and probably why I haven’t gone anywhere yet. Good information!!!!!

You are such a great resource for writing an informed and respectful amputee character

I am a TSA officer and i just want to thank you for making this video and , also for making the points that you did. Thank you!

Im not an amputee but I find your videos helpful and the song at the end makes me feel like i can do more than I can think.

Just a heads up for anyone flying, if you do request a private search with security, you can request a travelling companion to be present as well to make sure everything is done professionally. I do this every time I fly and have to get an extra search and I've never had any problems.

I have just started watching you. As a person that also lives in the Springs, it is very nice to have someone like you living here.

Gah I love your channel so much! Hearing you talk about your journey and everyday struggles is inspiring. I’ve been in a REALLY bad depressive episode and your channel makes me feel like it’s possible to get out of bed and keep going. Thank you so much.

Interesting information!! When I broke my leg while skiing in CO, I had a metal implant done and then had to get home to Atlanta. I was in a wheelchair and the delta airlines station manager at Eagle County Airport escorted me and my family through security. I only got the chemical pads and that’s it (lucky me) Six years later I still set off security when they do the newer machine. In my case it went smoothly because first off it’s a regional airport, and second because the station manager helped us out. She was awesome and made that experience ten times better. Also to make things funnier, they carried me up the stairs to the airplane in a special wheelchair

This makes me feel old. I remember when the airport and flying experience was fun.

I just got back from going on my first “big trip” so it was also my first time ever flying. I had no idea what to expect and I had no idea as well that we could request wheelchair assistance. As an amputee I wish I could’ve seen this video sooner, but now I know for next time!! I love your videos and I’m glad to see that I can relate to you in so many ways!

At least you get to take your prosthetic with you! I use a wheelchair and I refuse to fly because there's countless stories of TSA losing /damaging wheelchairs and I could not relax worrying about my chair the whole flight. I'm also autistic and I have bladder disorders so I definitely can't fly. But I'm glad you are able to and I hope airlines treat the disabled better someday

Thank you for this video, I have aspergers syndrome (learning difficulties and social difficulties) I find airports quite intimidating and I rarely relax in them, even though I know the staff will usually do their jobs correctly it can still be a daunting experience. but I never thought about how different it would be for someone who uses a prosthesis or has an amputated limb thank you for sharing some insights into this. I have found UK and EU airports are quite accommodating and follow Disability discrimination guidance really well so have always been fortunate enough to be able to take myself to places and have gone through checks before but as I do work the doors sometimes at pubs I know why they do searches which makes it less intimidating but I must admit I loved how you're prepared and make preparation for things that most would never think of. thank you.

My wife uses a wheelchair and gets searched every time (and sometimes gets asked to stand up). Once her own wheelchair was transferred to our next flight automatically against our wishes and she had to have an airport wheelchair. When we go to the lounge area the wheelchair was taken off us and then it wasn't possible for her to get to the toilet/bathroom. The next time we went through that airport I had to fight for her to be able to take her wheelchair onboard the aircraft so that she would have it in the terminal.

My S.O. has spina bifida and is fully reliant on his wheelchair. I want to thank you for your channel and sharing your experiences. You've really helped me to understand my S.O. so much more and teach how to be kinder.

My sister has a titanium rod in her leg due to three surgeries and a bad car accident. She was wearing shorts. Has a note from the doctor office explaining. Etc. you can see the scar on her leg. They still pulled her aside after she set off the alarm and patted her down and wanted to search her. And the scanner only went off at her leg. Thanks LAX!! JFK was the opposite. Treated her fairly. Did a scan. Realized it was just her leg and she didn’t have any contraband. Let her move forward. I swear. It’s a power trip.

I was so nervous flying the first time with my cane/having mobility issues, especially since I was travelling by myself. That time I did request wheelchair assistance in advance and they were so amazing, getting me exactly where I needed to be and at security I just put my cane through the xray machine and they had a wooden one I could walk through the scanner with. The second time I travelled I was also by myself but opted not to get a wheelchair and all the staff was again amazing. They let me go in the accessibility line so I didn't have to stand as long and this time I had to go through the scanner that has the small ramp going up into/out of it and the TSA agents help me with the ramps since their wooden cane was way too big for me

Hi Jo. I'm from the UK and our laws are pretty much the same as yours when it comes to airport security. Here in Europe if there needs to be a frisk search you are offered the opportunity to have it done privately. I think I'd rather it was done in public though. With regard to prostheses, they cannot by law here ask for it to be removed. As you said, it's a part of you. And also if they're going to ask someone to remove a leg, would they ask someone who has had a mastectomy to remove their prosthesis?! Here, the security absolutely must be able and allowed to see and touch or test the leg. I am waiting for an above knee amputation and as I see it, it will be a learning curve for security officers as well as myself. I also think it may be easier to wear shorts when I fly (only ever between Birmingham, UK and Alicante, Spain) but it remains to be seen xx

Heyyy... So I'm not an amputee and just recently found your channel... you have been so inspiring to everyone!!! So I was rather fortunate to be involved in volunteer works with the Paralympics and that means seeing how the athletes go through airport security. There are a few of them who are amputees but mostly paraplegic (for the sport I'm involved in). We live in Malaysia and sometimes people aren't exactly the most accommodating. What the amputees do is they just take out their prothetic leg and put it on the conveyor thing. After that they just hop through the scanner. I feel that they are way too used to being demanded to take off their prosthesis that they just want to save the hassle and go ahead with it. Keep up the good work!!!

This is super interesting to me. I was in a motorcycle accident and broke my wrist and arm. I did not have to amputate but I did have extensive surgery with many pins and plates added to my arm. I have also been searched and rubbed down for chemicals on multiple occasions. I find it super interesting that even metal inside your body needs to be tested, but I think it’s something that is important to note! Any metal in or on your body will require you to have additional searches. Thank you for your positivity, Jo! I recently stumbled upon your channel, and even tho I’m not an amputee, your story has resonated with me and I just think you’re an amazing person. All the best to you and your family!! 💕😘

I remember when I dislocated my knee cap and the security people had to carry me though the metal machine 😂

They did that testing when I had a cast around my arm... and it did go off: I had been wearing a glove over it at work, so the little test reacted to the powder in the gloves 😝 I have had times I was on crutches when going on flights. If you ask when you check in, will get you help in the States, but also in Europe. You can also ask a flight attendant if they can let the destination of your flight know to please have a wheelchair waiting for you. That's really helpful if unsteady, you don't have to walk down the ramp. Also they can arrange a golf cart or other transportation to take you to the exit or the gate for your connecting flight. I had in Minneapolis St Paul that someone wheeled me from the aircraft to Immigration, and on to connecting flight. Just give yourself extra time between flights.

I like learning about life as an amputee, because I like being informed; but I mostly watch cause you are a fun and entertaining person.

Thank you Jo, I appreciate what you do! I am sure you are helping folks all over the world with your experiences and insights. Keep up the great work, and awesome storytelling!!

One of the best things that work for me is getting approved for pre-check. I travel with my son (who is disabled) often and it makes things so much easier. You don't have to remove any clothing or take out any electronics for inspection. It's a good investment if you travel a lot.

I flew for atlanta to tampa about a year ago and I had a broken ankle at the time, so with my walking boot the same measures as you went through I also went through so also this video applies to anyone in a walking boot or brace or cast. including your arms and such

Hi Jo, thanks for this it was super informative! I’m not an amputee, but I use a walking stick and occasionally a chair for other reasons, so I watch your vids to learn more and broaden my knowledge! I am constantly fighting to try make things more accessible everywhere so knowing what others deal with and how it can affect other differently abled people just gives me more info :) Thank you

Just love your outlook on life and your spirit.

Ive always wondered what happened with amputees keep up the great work jo your amazing

All of my TSA experiences as an amputee have been positive except for one. Most ranged from kind and caring people to Bros that were quick to smile and empathize. The one exception was with two Jackasses at the Orlando airport. It was not long after 911 and I expect these two answered TSA help wanted ads off of Craig's List. Just a bad experience for me, wrong people, wrong time. I shook it of and focused on all of the TSA folks that are pretty cool and really helpful.

A pal of mine had his leg taken off at a really young age (some kind of really gnarly paediatric bone cancer) . I think it helps him that he had the surgery at such a young age, because he got consistently great support as he grw up with it. We go camping and do weekend-long field adventure events, so it's good to have a better understanding of what he needs from our camping setup!

I'm very non-familiar with anything even remotely related to the topic of this video, but I'm glad that the KZfaq algorithm recommended this to me, to open my eyes to something so beyond my own experience.

eeeee! the clock has changed! it's running! thank you! very good info on airport security 🚨!

I have an odd experience with airports, and they're all different. Context: I was in a traffic accident where my arm was saved, but I have no shoulder, more specifically, no shoulder blade, or any of the muscles that make up the joint (it's called an incomplete traumatic amputation of the left shoulder). Meaning, I cannot lift my left arm, or bare weight on it, etc, etc.. Most airports, the metal detector doesn't even react to the metal plate inside of my shoulder, but some of the machines are the ones that rotate around you, where you have to hold your arms up, which I cannot do. So I have to explain, I can't lift my arm for the scanner, so my arms stay a little out at my sides. And then comes the full body run over with the handheld detector and a thorough pat down. The amount of times I have to ask them to be gentle with my shoulder, because yes, I get it, you have to search me.. but it is VERY tender and easily disturbed by rough contact. But most are understanding and will be very careful on my left shoulder and let me on my way; I've thankfully never been detained in any airport (UK, Canada, USA, Spain, etc.) It's times like these I half wish that I'd had my arm amputated at the shoulder to avoid this inconveniences, or the pain I get the majority of the time (it likes to dislocate itself often, and by that I mean it's never really in place.. because there is no true socket for my arm to sit in). But I watch your video and realise.. I'd still go through this crap xD

I don't fly often so I really don't think much about the screenings until I actually have one done. Traveling with a prosthetic has actually never crossed my mind, so I found your video very interesting. Thank you for sharing your experience!

I'm a wheelchair user w chronic pain and I love ur videos!

I got searched my first time flying when I was 12, really freaked me out because I didn't understand what was happening or why it was happening. I've only flown once since then and I absolutely dreaded the security

Your make up looks soo pretty!

What a practical video. I’m not an amputee but I’ve saved this because I have friends who are

Started watching life of palos over a year ago, only recently found this channel, one year later that is weirdly cool

Totally unrelated, but I love the wall behind you!

I'm not an amputee but my grandfather lost his arm when my mom was very young. That is the story of how I believed everyone had a grandfather with a missing limb as a 4-year-old.

Thanks to Jimmy Snow for having you on The Line. Your channel is great!

You are kindness and patience.