‘Medical passport’ too easy to forge

Published 4:41 pm Friday, February 19, 2010

Regarding the Wednesday editorial on airport security, “Aim to be safe and sensible”:

I had hip replacement surgery in 2008. I have flown at least six times since the surgery and my “fake” hip sets off the metal detectors. This requires that TSA agents place me aside, find a female agent to wand and “pat” me down, which has taken up to five minutes depending on the airport, time of day, availability of an agent and other airport factors.

My hip surgeon advised me to notify TSA just before stepping through the detector, which I do. (Though I’m a “gray grandma,” I still get suspicious looks from some people who zip through security). My surgeon also commented that “medical passports” are as easy to forge as any other document.

My few experiences have been that TSA agents are well-trained, courteous, and not embarrassed to ask questions. They deal with much more than my hip every day and they do it as quickly, efficiently and safely as possible. Sandra Fish’s story may be cute for a “will you look at what happened to me” Internet-type incident, but it’s hardly noteworthy for airport security purposes. I’m on the side of the TSA. For me, 40 seconds in a scanner will be a big improvement over the current requirement.

Victoria Paulson

Lake Stevens