Follow
Share

We are planning a trip in the fall. Because my wife has a heart pacemaker, she will have to go through the whole-body scanner at the airport, and it might take me longer to get our take-on luggage through the other scanner. I am concerned that she might wander off looking for me.

Find Care & Housing
The bracelet's a good idea. Also ask for airline assistance to get you both from entrance through security and to the gate. They may be able to provide more help than you think. Get Air Tags and put them on everything including her, just in case you need to run her down if she wanders. Modern technology is your friend.
Helpful Answer (0)
Reply to Fawnby
Report

Try Project lifesaver is designed to track and locate lost individuals. This program serves families living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, down syndrome, autism, and related disorders. project life saver provides individuals with a personalized radio transmitter bracelet when an individual is reported missing, trained law-enforcement locate the transmitter signal using both air and ground tracking receivers. This proven radio technology has enabled quick recovery times having less than 30 minutes, families are quickly notified and reunited I received mine through the sheriffs department
Helpful Answer (0)
Reply to Tellmemore
Report

Great answers! I have one thing to add. I got an Apple Watch for my wife. As long as the battery holds out, I can find her anywhere. Peace and blessings!
Helpful Answer (0)
Reply to Samjam
Report

Let TSA know your issues. You will go through the same line with her.
Helpful Answer (0)
Reply to Taarna
Report

TSA has a program called TSA Cares. You can go to the TSA website and then sign up for extra assistance getting through TSA. After you sign up, you are sent a phone number to call after you check in with the airlines. On the call, you let the TSA know which TSA check-point you are at and an agent meets you and personally helps you through the TSA check.

My husband has an implant (for brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease) and also has some cognitive impairment. He has to go through the TSA scanner where you put your hands up. At all the airports we've been to, his scanner is right next to the one I go through. I don't have him go through it until I go through mine, so that I'm waiting for him on the other side of both our scanners.

I also have him wear a Hidden Disabilities Sunflowers landyard. It's a program for folks with a hidden disability, like cognitive impairment, autism, anxiety, etc. Airport staff are trained to know that the wearer needs extra time, more patience, etc. I really like it because the placard on the lanyard has spaces for his name, the disability and his needs, and, most importantly, my name and phone number. Should he get separated from me, someone can call me for us to get re-connected. It's great peace of mind for me.

I wish you safe and smooth travels!
Helpful Answer (3)
Reply to pamela78702
Report

Rick80: Use a wheelchair.
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to Llamalover47
Report

You know I am sure they are made. But you could have an rfid chip implanted. Similar to a pet.
Helpful Answer (0)
Reply to Sample
Report

I used divotiusa.com to buy an unremovable bracelet for my mil. It has something called a “sister hook” clasp and you need to have both hands to get it unlatched. She’s worn it 24/7 for 2 years and never managed to take it off, and it is still in great shape.
Helpful Answer (4)
Reply to pheochrom
Report
lealonnie1 Jul 20, 2025
This is a great resource! I could not find anything similar in an online search. Ty.

https://divotiusa.com/divoti-custom-engraved-alzheimers-dementia-identification-bracelet-with-sister-hook-safety-clasp-color-size/
(2)
Report
Best Non-Removable Medical ID Wristbands for Dementia
These medical ID bracelets are recommended for individuals with dementia. They are made from silicone for comfort and require scissors or a tool for removal, making them ideal for continuous wear and safety.
Road ID Elite Medical ID Bracelet
Price: $44.99
Features:
• • Double-lock clasp (requires tool to remove)
• • Trim-to-fit silicone band
• • Waterproof, lifetime engraving
Order here: https://www.roadid.com/products/healthid-medical-id-elite-silicone-clasp-19mm-graphite?variant=40297208119386&utm
MedicAlert Elite Silicone Medical ID Bracelet
Price: $32.99
Features:
• • Trusted MedicAlert brand
• • Silicone band with secure fit
• • Includes optional MedicAlert membership for storing full medical records
Order here: https://www.medicalert.org/medical-ids/bracelets/elite-silicone
Ultra Silicone Medical ID Bracelet (Auswara)
Price: $57.00
Features:
• • Stylish design with adjustable fit
• • Stainless steel faceplate with custom engraving
• • Daily wear durability and comfort
Order here: https://www.auswara.com/products/ultra-silicone-medical-id-bracelet-in-white-peach?variant=44748944933034&utm
Flexi Silicone Medical Bracelet (The ID Band Company)
Price: $40.53
Features:
• • Hypoallergenic, water-resistant silicone
• • Wide band design, ideal for dementia patients
• • Secure and comfortable daily wear
Order here: https://theidbandco.com/medical-conditions/alzheimers-bracelets
Helpful Answer (5)
Reply to HaveYourBack
Report
Rick80 Jul 20, 2025
Wow!! Thank you so much for making my search so much easier!!!
(2)
Report
I think you need to request a wheelchair at time you purchase your ticket. If you are using a Travel Agent to coordinate your trip ask them.

There is also this program...

"To expedite the check-in process at airports, several programs like TSA PreCheck and CLEAR can be utilized. TSA PreCheck allows eligible travelers to leave on their shoes, belts, and light jackets, and keep their laptops and liquids in their bags. CLEAR, on the other hand, offers a faster way to verify your identity, allowing you to bypass the traditional ID check at security checkpoints."

The only tag I know that can't be removed are those you get when in the hospital or having one day surgery done. You have to cut them off. Seems you can purchase them on-line.

I so hope your using a Travel Agent because the questions you are asking can be answered by them. Every airline is a little different in criteria and an agent knows or can get you this info.
Helpful Answer (2)
Reply to JoAnn29
Report
swmckeown76 Jul 18, 2025
TSA PreCheck/Global Entry requires an in-person interview at an airport that is considered a port of entry to the US. You can apply for and schedule this appointment online. The application requires information from a US birth certificate and US passport. It works in conjunction with a ReaID-compliant driver's license and/or current US passport. The interview requires applicants to be photographed and fingerprinted. I know because I applied for this in early April for a trip I took to Greece and Turkey this past May. The interview, photograph, and fingerprinting doesn't take long (no more than 15 minutes). It probably took as much time to walk back to my car from the building at the airport to my car in the parking structure at the airport. The parking structure did have handicapped parking spaces on the first floor and the building where I was interviewed certainly seems to be able to accommodate a wheelchair.
(1)
Report
Let the airline know you need a wheelchair to the gate.
They will have someone pick you up, pack your bags on the cart and "drive" you to the gate. This should speed up going through security.
Do what you can in advance having nothing in pockets and bags organized so that they are easy to go through.
For added safety you might want to get someth8ing like a necklace chain and attach an air tag or other tracking device to it just in case she wanders. Also look for family washrooms.
Safe travels...
Helpful Answer (4)
Reply to Grandma1954
Report
JoAnn29 Jul 17, 2025
You have to tell them when you buy the ticket that you need wheelchair assistance.
(2)
Report
Also--you could speak to the TSA representative, or even before TSA, at the checkpoint where you show your ID/license, and explain your concerns.

If you state that your wife may wander, you may be able to both get pat downs together.

Despite the uniforms and "strictly business demeanor" they are very helpful if you share your situation with them. I am sure they have handled similar scenarios.

Best of luck to you.
Helpful Answer (3)
Reply to daughterofAD
Report

Hi Rick,

I copied this info from the internet about going through the TSA. I hope it helps you.

Here's how to navigate TSA with a pacemaker and bracelet:
Inform the TSA Officer: Before initiating the security screening process, tell the TSA officer that you have a pacemaker and a medical alert bracelet.

Medical Device ID Card: Carry your pacemaker's Medical Device ID Card and be prepared to present it to the TSA officer. This card helps identify you as an implanted device patient and provides important information about your device to medical personnel in case of an emergency.

Metal Detectors and Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT):
Walk-through Metal Detector (WTMD): Individuals with pacemakers should not be screened by a walk-through metal detector, as the metal components of the device may trigger the alarm.

Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT): The full-body scanner (AIT) is safe for people with pacemakers and will not harm the device or alter its settings. You may choose to be screened using AIT, which can help reduce the likelihood of a pat-down.

Pat-Down: If you choose not to go through the AIT scanner or if there are any alarms during screening, you will receive a pat-down screening. You can request a private pat-down if you prefer.

Hand-Held Wands: If a hand-held metal detector wand is used, request the TSA officer to move it quickly over the pacemaker area and not hold it in place for too long, as it could potentially interfere with the device's function.

Medical Alert Bracelet: Your medical alert bracelet may also be subject to inspection or screening, according to the Transportation Security Administration (.gov). It is recommended to wear or carry documentation describing your medical condition to facilitate the screening process. 
Helpful Answer (2)
Reply to daughterofAD
Report
Rick80 Jul 16, 2025
Thanks for the information. Can you suggest a wrist ID bracelet that she can't remove without a tool or scissors?
(1)
Report
See 2 more replies
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter