Okay, I am actually laughing at myself because I feel so stupid asking this question but here it goes anyway...
Tomorrow we are flying to San Diego, CA. I use the birth control patch and will be wearing a patch while going through airport security. If I go through one of those scanners and the scanner sees this small square on my lower abdomen, is it going to cause problems? I have never gone through those new scanners, so I have no idea what to expect. I have no idea if the scanners will even see the patch, but my anxiety is kicking in and I'm paranoid about it.
Also, considering that it's going to be a 3 and a half to 4 hour flight I would like to have something to do. Are you allowed to use your laptop to watch movies and such if the wi-fi is turned off?
Did I ever tell you about the dildo I had in my purse when I went through the scanners at county lockup to bail out my daughter? Ahhh good times. :p Pretty sure those poor guards are still laughing about that. She ran a stop sign by the way, the whole thing is a rather funny story...
Everything must be in airplane mode during the flight and off during take off and landing.
I don't know about the patch...can't have been the first time that they have seen one though. Even if someone can answer the question about the patch, your experience in security is likely to be different. TSA is quite inconsistent even about enforcing their own rules.
The captain will make an announcement as to when you can use your electronic devices...then you can watch your movies.
No question is a stupid question.
NO, they won't stop you because they see a patch. I wear a hormone patch and in the last 10 yrs, it has never been questioned... I fly a lot and got through the scanners.
You can watch your movies, or read, etc as long as the staff says it is "ok to use the approved devices" and keep them OFF wi-fi.
However, I've been on several flights and witnessed many people (mostly men, my hubby included) using email during flight.
My hubby will text me and say, we're flying over the house now. GEES... he has no sense of following a rule, and I am trying to teach my daughter that you DO follow rules!!
TSA scans thousands of people every day. They've seen everything.
You can make your life easier by wearing shoes that are easy to remove and not wearing extra stuff like a belt if you don't need it. The new backscatter detectors are more sensitive and require that you remove everything from your pockets, even kleenex.
Yes you can use your laptop to watch movies on the plane. Bring headphones so you don't annoy your neighbors.
If you have a window seat, make sure to take a look out at the changing landscape... cross country flights can give you some great views. Enjoy.
I wouldn’t worry about a patch on your body. They have seen far worse things.
You can use your laptop or smart phone (in airplane mode). Most airlines offer Wi-Fi on board for about 10 dollars. You can play dvds or any games you already have installed on your computer.
A good thing to remember if you have any prescription (patch, medicine, etc) is to have a copy of the prescription with you. My pharmacy will print a list of currently prescribed medications for me on their letterhead. That is a safety backup, in case I lose a medication while traveling.
I don't know if the patch comes in a box or whatever, but if you have the original box it came in, just have that available, with your name on it and the pharmacy info.
I wouldn't worry too much about the patch. Even if it sets off the sensors, the TSA should just do a pat down in that area. I once set off the scanner in my left underarm and right calf. I was wearing capris at the time, so how my calf set it off, I don't know. They said it was just due to the heat and it wasn't a big deal.
You can use your laptop once you get above 10,000 feet. They'll announce when it is safe to do so. I always found it easier to take a book. Then I don't have to put it away for take off or landing.
I now wear an HRT patch, and the scanners have never said one thing about mine. They did check the button on the bottom of my capris. The button is a metal of some kind. So I think you will be fine - my patch has estrogen in it, and yours does too.
So no worries!
Dawn
uuummm.....no to the birth control.
yes. to the laptop - AFTER they give you permission to use your electronics - until then - no - has to be secured as well as during landing...
The TSA has a website w/ a phone number to contact them. They will reassure you. Ask all the questions you need to that's what they are there for, and they are really nice.
One thing don't plan to wear a hoodie. My daughter got a pat down because she was wearing a hoodie. And she's blonde, tiny, girly and very pretty. But the TSA lady said it because of the hoodie.
