Flying and going through xray machine

Can you ask for a pat down instead of going through the xray machine?
I called JetBlue and they said it should not be a problem and I can even have a doctor's note just in case.
Just wondering what you girls that are not showing yet do when you fly!

Re: Flying and going through xray machine

When I flew, TSA employees at both airports were super nice about me requesting a pat down, and it wasn't a big deal at all. You just may have to wait a few minutes for them to call a female employee over to do it for you. Have a fun trip!

Message edited 7/5/2012 2:26:30 PM.

Re: Flying and going through xray machine

Airport security is not an x-ray machine - it's a metal detector. It's completely safe for a pregnant woman to walk through the metal detector.

Your luggage goes through an x-ray machine, so just don't climb up on the conveyor belt and you should be fine!

If, however, you get pulled into the full body scanner, you may want to request a pat down instead.

Re: Flying and going through xray machine

Posted by NYCGirl80

Airport security is not an x-ray machine - it's a metal detector. It's completely safe for a pregnant woman to walk through the metal detector.

Your luggage goes through an x-ray machine, so just don't climb up on the conveyor belt and you should be fine!

If, however, you get pulled into the full body scanner, you may want to request a pat down instead.

Re: Flying and going through xray machine

I flew this week. According to the airport security staff, the machine I went through was safer than using a cell phone. However, I seemed to get mixed messages on this so on the way back I requested a pat down and they were really nice about it. I'm definitely going to ask the obgyn about this at my appointment tomorrow. I'll keep you posted.

Re: Flying and going through xray machine

If it is a regular metal detector, it is ok to go through. However, I did ask for a pat down when I wound up on a line that had the full body scanner. The TSA agent told me it was safe, and I just said I didn't feel comfortable with it. He didn't give me a hard time about it at all, and in fact there were 2 other pregnant women who requested pat downs also. He just had to radio over for a female employee to pat us down. I figure if I am avoiding cold cuts and tuna fish, no way am I walking through something that is so new, no matter who tells me it is "safe".

Flying and going through xray machine

When I was 10w preggo with DS 2, I flew out of an airport that was solely using the full body scanners. I mentioned I was pregnant and they allowed me to go through the regular metal detector that they had there but, had blocked off. Otherwise, I probably would've opted for a pat-down (even though they say the machines are safe).

Re: Flying and going through xray machine

I usually always ask for a pat down instead of the x ray machine. Good thing I did that, because last time I flew, I didn't even know I was preggo (it was super early). I asked for a pat down instead. They gave me a nasty look, but got a female person to do it.

I'd rather not chance the new technology and why expose yourself to added radiation...

Flying and going through xray machine

I just flew last week, I'm not showing at all, and told the woman at the full body scanner I was pregnant and would like a pat down instead of going through the body scanner. I didn't have a note and she definitely gave me the once over because I don't look pregnant but she said fine and I just went through the regular metal detector, they didn't even pat me down. They're usually pretty good about it but I will definitely bring a note next time I fly in case I'm still not showing and the people aren't as nice.

Re: Flying and going through xray machine

The last few times I've flown I've requested either the regular metal detector or the pat down (the few times there were no longer the metal detectors). My sister is a radiology major and freaked me out about going through the new full body scanners. I figure better safe than sorry....they can give me dirty looks all they want. If there's an alternative they shouldn't question people. God knows we spend enough money to fly.

Re: Flying and going through xray machine

I do the regular metal detectors but not the new full body machines. They made me wait a long time until a female agent was free to pat me down but besides the wait, it wasn't a big deal/issue.

Re: Flying and going through xray machine

I just flew last week and when I saw they had that full body scanner I asked to get a pat down it took a few minutes for a female TSA agent to come; but it was pretty quick none the less. And they were very nice about it. Even asked if certain areas were more sensitive...i laughed and said my breasts are very tender so she was extra gentle checking anywhere near them!

My departure from JFK was a regular Xray machine; but coming home was the scanner and at just 12 weeks it wasn't worth the risk so I asked for the pat down.

Re: Flying and going through xray machine

I just flew last week...on the way there it was broken so no issue, regular medical detector...on the way home I just said I was pregnant and didn't want to go through the body scan so they did a pat down. Took 2 extra minutes no issues and they were nice about it.

Re: Flying and going through xray machine

Re: Flying and going through xray machine

Thanks ladies!

Re: Flying and going through xray machine

Posted by AngnShaun

Posted by NYCGirl80

Airport security is not an x-ray machine - it's a metal detector. It's completely safe for a pregnant woman to walk through the metal detector.

Your luggage goes through an x-ray machine, so just don't climb up on the conveyor belt and you should be fine!

If, however, you get pulled into the full body scanner, you may want to request a pat down instead.

This! I went through it coming home from Vegas and they said its not an xray machine.

Re: Flying and going through xray machine

I'll go through the metal detectors, but not the full body machines. I flew at 11w and did not have a problem when I asked for a pat down. Just had to wait a few minutes for a female agent. It was done in the open, which was slightly weird, but wasn't very invasive.