How can I get through airport security if I have a health condition?

Here are some suggestions to make air travel safer and easier for travelers dealing with health issues.

- If you need to sit before, or at some point during, the screening process, the TSA rules say you can sit. Speak up and let one of the TSA personnel know. While you’re waiting, be sure to keep an eye on your valuables—they may still be on the x-ray belt.

- If you have a condition that prevents your shoes from being removed, because they are attached to braces or a prosthesis, you cannot be forced to remove them; alternative security measures can be used such as moving a wand over your feet.

- If you have a medical condition that requires syringes or other sharp medical equipment, it can be kept in your carry-on bag provided you notify the screener you have equipment with you that will need to be checked. Your medication should be labeled from the pharmacy (save the vial or box where the label is located and bring it with you). As an extra precaution, it can’t hurt to have a letter signed by your healthcare provider on official letterhead that says: “______ is under my care for a medical condition that requires him to take medicine by injection. He needs to carry syringes and needles, lancets to obtain a blood sample for testing, test supplies, and a container for used equipment.”

- If a screener needs to go through your carry-on bag, warn him or her that medical equipment is in your bag and ask if you may remove it to prevent them from being injured. Make the offer as a way of protecting the screener, don’t just reach in the bag.

- If you pack any medical equipment, use see-through plastic or mesh bags so screening goes faster.

- If you need assistance to get to the gate, or to need to accompany a friend or family member, you’ll need an authorized companion gate pass from the ticket counter that will allow an additional person through security with the ticketed passenger. It’s not a big deal and will ease everyone’s mind if you can stay together through to the gate, especially in a large airport.