<p>Can anyone give me an idea of what to expect when I set off the metal detectors? Should I tell security first?
I'll be flying out of JFK and to Rome, not sure of stopover yet. I have one of those hip replacement ID cards, but I'm thinking that won't matter too much. Thanks!</p>
<p>I had a plate in my knee for some time, and regularly set off the metal detectors. The ID card is meaningless (“too easy to forge” is what I was told). </p>
<p>After you set off the metal detectors (and you might not–sometimes I did, and sometimes I didn’t), a call will be made for an examiner of the appropriate sex (female for female, male for male). You may have to wait a few minutes. The examiner will wand you, and may need to touch you. They do their best to keep it professional. </p>
<p>It is possible that if you encounter one of the scanning machines, they won’t need to do that.</p>
<p>Allow an extra fifteen minutes or so, but don’t stress about it.</p>
<p>If you need a cane to walk sometimes (I did), make sure you keep it with you–airport distances can be hellish, and the cane can get you sympathy that is sorely needed. (I got an upgrade on an airline, too, flying out of Milan.)</p>
<p>I was in Italy shortly after my knee surgery, and using the cane got me into the backs of museums to use the elevators–and to see parts of the exhibitions I never would have seen otherwise (the offices at St. Mark’s in Venice had amazing paintings–my sister was hissing at me to “walk really slowly!”).</p>
<p>DH has two artificial hips. Before he goes through the machine at airports, he tells the fellow that he has them and will be setting off the alarms. It works exactly as dmd77 said – the appropriate gender will “wand” you and may pat you, but it just takes a little extra time.</p>
<p>Must be more metal in a hip replacement. I had 6 screws and a plate in my right ankle for 16 years–never had a problem going through the metal detectors at the airport. Had some of the hardware removed last summer (still have 2 screws)–no difference.</p>