Do hip implants set off the metal detectors at the airport?
Since the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) took over the security screening at the airports, I have had a pretty consistent experience with the metal detectors — that is my hips (one resurfaced, one large head metal-on-metal THR) always set off the walk-through detector. This is not such a big problem, it just makes the screening process take a little longer. If you set off the detector you will be directed to a separate line and inspected with a wand-like handheld detector. Even if you’re going to set off the detector, its best to remove all metal beforehand so that you aren’t asked to repeatedly remove things and walk through. Just mention that you have some metal in your hips and they will check you by hand. You’ll have to first sit down and the security inspector will check your legs and feet in the sitting position, then stand and he/she will check your body while standing. If the detector goes off, they will pat down the area of the signal with the back of their hand
