cookj5 Posted June 3, 2023 Report Share Posted June 3, 2023 I have some arthritis in my hip and use a hiking stick when I walk. I will be going through the TSA in my next air trip and suspect they will look askance at my stick as a possible weapon. Any information on how TSA deals with issues like this and any solutions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tingting Posted June 3, 2023 Report Share Posted June 3, 2023 You aren't the first and you won't be the last, so relax. As long as it looks like a walking cane and not just a large stick, it's pretty obvious why you have it. Hubs goes through with one every time he travels. You have to walk through the security part without it as it goes through the baggage x-ray line, but that's it. If you have real problems walking without it, just ask for wheelchair assistance. On this side, they're extremely helpful... 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lakeside7 Posted June 3, 2023 Report Share Posted June 3, 2023 I would recommend you request a wheelchair at time you book your ticket. Wheelchair services vary depending upon the airport you use from bad, dismal and good. Plenty of chairs but no pushers. I would rank Guadalajara as good. The other side benefit is you fast track the long lines. Go for it, but make a request beforehand. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richmond Posted June 3, 2023 Report Share Posted June 3, 2023 In Mexico, if you are disabled you will be treated extremely well, both on exiting and re-entering the country. Ask for a wheelchair. When travelling from the U.S. ask for a wheelchair as it may get you through security that much quicker but do not bet on it. From past experiences, here's what is most likely to happen, as you go through security you will told that you test positive for explosives. By the time they have put you through the 'wringer' you will be ready to explode. While I take security seriously, TSA play games and you may find that you are the object of a training exercise. The giveaway is that you will be escorted to another area and a Supervisor will be overseeing a person who looks and acts like a new employee. The most annoying part of the whole process is the way you are treated, no courtesy whatsoever. 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whipstock Posted June 3, 2023 Report Share Posted June 3, 2023 24 minutes ago, Richmond said: In Mexico, if you are disabled you will be treated extremely well, both on exiting and re-entering the country. Ask for a wheelchair. When travelling from the U.S. ask for a wheelchair as it may get you through security that much quicker but do not bet on it. From past experiences, here's what is most likely to happen, as you go through security you will told that you test positive for explosives. By the time they have put you through the 'wringer' you will be ready to explode. While I take security seriously, TSA play games and you may find that you are the object of a training exercise. The giveaway is that you will be escorted to another area and a Supervisor will be overseeing a person who looks and acts like a new employee. The most annoying part of the whole process is the way you are treated, no courtesy whatsoever. Well said. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RickS Posted June 3, 2023 Report Share Posted June 3, 2023 .... or not. 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Natasha Posted June 3, 2023 Report Share Posted June 3, 2023 7 hours ago, lakeside7 said: request a wheelchair at time you book your ticket. Wheelchair services vary depending upon the airport you use from bad, dismal and good. Guadalajara as good. The other side benefit is you fast track the long lines. Go for it, Yes. You cannot get a chair on request when you arrive at airport. I've no idea about other countries, but in Mexico the guys pushing the chairs rely on tips and get no other salary. Treat them as well as they do you, which IMO / experiences is exceptional. Not knowing about other places I've always tipped there too, but never treated as well as Guad airport. 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whipstock Posted June 3, 2023 Report Share Posted June 3, 2023 39 minutes ago, Natasha said: I've no idea about other countries, but in Mexico the guys pushing the chairs rely on tips and get no other salary. Treat them as well as they do you, which IMO / experiences is exceptional,...... I agree that Mexico treats disabled AND elderly, with a high degree of respect. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whipstock Posted June 3, 2023 Report Share Posted June 3, 2023 1 hour ago, RickS said: .... or not. Are you disagreeing that: " In Mexico, if you are disabled you will be treated extremely well."? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NEWMtnMama Posted June 3, 2023 Report Share Posted June 3, 2023 THis is just a thought, but I would guess a plain generic cane would have an easier time of getting through security than a walking stick. If you are able to get a wheelchair you can put the cane across your lap and if not you'll have it to walk with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RickS Posted June 4, 2023 Report Share Posted June 4, 2023 3 hours ago, Whipstock said: Are you disagreeing that: " In Mexico, if you are disabled you will be treated extremely well."? No. Disagreeing with the 'well said' relating to the 'tested for explosives' and 'put through the wringer' and 'part of a training exercise' Post suggesting this is a 'most likely happen' situation for TSA in the US. It isn't. My opinion of course... as was your 'well said'. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whipstock Posted June 4, 2023 Report Share Posted June 4, 2023 1 hour ago, RickS said: No. Disagreeing with the 'well said' relating to the 'tested for explosives' and 'put through the wringer' and 'part of a training exercise' Post suggesting this is a 'most likely happen' situation for TSA in the US. It isn't. My opinion of course... as was your 'well said'. I was looking at the positive part. I'll try harder in the future to focus on the negative. 😉 Seriously: Thank you for you honest response. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tingting Posted June 4, 2023 Report Share Posted June 4, 2023 Since I know the individual, I can say that it's not an exaggeration; the US TSA is an absolute joke. Every. Single. Trip to the US, he is tested for explosives because he has a prosthesis which he openly shows by wearing shorts. It would be semi-understandable if the TSA folks were proessional, but they're not. They are abrasive, rude, and incredibly stupid, in many cases. Worse, there is absolutely no oversight. You may feel otherwise, Rick, but it IS a "most likely to happen" and the poster speaks from experience. 16 hours ago, RickS said: No. Disagreeing with the 'well said' relating to the 'tested for explosives' and 'put through the wringer' and 'part of a training exercise' Post suggesting this is a 'most likely happen' situation for TSA in the US. It isn't. My opinion of course... as was your 'well said'. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RickS Posted June 4, 2023 Report Share Posted June 4, 2023 Based on his experiences I would say it is obviously true for his situation! For me and others with 'normal' passages... no so much. BUT this thread WAS about 'disabled' folks and their experiences so I yield to those first-hand experiences of those folks. Too bad. Mexico on the other hand seems to be better.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NEWMtnMama Posted June 4, 2023 Report Share Posted June 4, 2023 This is not new. I was active in the Women's Movement, the peace movement and Democratic politics starting in the 60's. During the Bush years I was on the 'bad girl list'. I was pulled aside for double checking every time I flew. Homeland Security and all that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RickS Posted June 5, 2023 Report Share Posted June 5, 2023 ... the 'bad ### girls list'. That's Mountain Mama 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tingting Posted June 5, 2023 Report Share Posted June 5, 2023 I wanted to add that it wasn't my intent to dump on Rick (very sorry) for sharing his own experiences, but just wanted to emphasize that Richmond barely scratched the surface of how truly awful the US TSA is. Mexico could definitely teach them a LOT when it comes to disabled passengers. Getting back to the original post, a proper walking stick, cane or crutches shouldn't cause trouble. Happy traveling! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whipstock Posted June 5, 2023 Report Share Posted June 5, 2023 39 minutes ago, Tingting said: I wanted to add that it wasn't my intent to dump on Rick (very sorry) for sharing his own experiences, but just wanted to emphasize that Richmond barely scratched the surface of how truly awful the US TSA is. Mexico could definitely teach them a LOT when it comes to disabled passengers. Getting back to the original post, a proper walking stick, cane or crutches shouldn't cause trouble. Happy traveling! Same. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Greenwood Posted June 5, 2023 Report Share Posted June 5, 2023 On several flights we have taken in the last few weeks, we have noticed at least half a dozen passengers passing through TSA with their walking sticks . In fact, two passengers, seated close to us both had minor issues placing their sticks in the overhead bins . yes, the wheelchair services seem efficient and I have noticed they pass through TSA and immigration at a faster pace…. However,once you leave your destination airport, you are stickless… my advice take your stick and use the wheelchair service. arrive early as they seem to be in much higher demand . 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kam Posted June 11, 2023 Report Share Posted June 11, 2023 Jim - we just returned from the US. I requested wheelchair service when I made reservations and took my cane - which collapses. I had mostly good luck with wheelchairs waiting at all 4 destinations and collapsed my cane as getting it into and out of the overhead bin is a hassle. If I didn't need my cane on the cobblestones, I would loan it to you. Is it possible to rent one locally? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ferret Posted June 11, 2023 Report Share Posted June 11, 2023 To the OP... I bought collapsible/adjustable canes for my hubby from the Medical Supply store on the highway, lakeside, just west of the last light in Ajijic going to Jocotepec. They are very reasonably priced. Or, you can pm me and I will give you one of his. He doesn't need them anymore. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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