# Security and flying with a broken ankle **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 12, 2016, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/security-and-flying-with-a-broken-ankle/757221 "2016-06-12T21:10:42Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![PoppaSan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/poppasan/32/189_2.png) [@PoppaSan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PoppaSan)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2016, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/security-and-flying-with-a-broken-ankle/757221/1 "2016-06-12T21:10:42Z")
One of the teenyboppers I am chaperoning on a trip this summer went and broke her ankle. She should be off crutches and in a walking boot by the time we fly out. Are their any concerns getting her through security at the airports that we should anticipate? If so, what would be the surest way to mitigate any problems? We are not leaving the US and she should still be 17yo if her age matters. Her parents are not going with. ---
**Author:** ![smithsb](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smithsb/32/12107_2.png) [@smithsb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smithsb)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2016, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/security-and-flying-with-a-broken-ankle/757221/2 "2016-06-12T23:49:25Z")
Should be no problem without any metal plates or screws present. They may wand it anyway but nothing will show up. She should “store” anything slipped into the cast though. A back scratcher like wand to deal with the itch stuffed there will bug the security staff. ---
**Author:** ![Omar\_Little](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omar_little/32/269_2.png) [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2016, 2:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/security-and-flying-with-a-broken-ankle/757221/3 "2016-06-13T14:09:15Z")
She’ll likely have to have a pat down. ---
**Author:** ![xizor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/xizor/32/102_2.png) [@xizor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xizor)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2016, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/security-and-flying-with-a-broken-ankle/757221/4 "2016-06-13T15:25:18Z")
If she can stand on her own she should be fine in the scanner. I’ve seen plenty of people go through security with casts on and not seem to be hassled. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2016, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/security-and-flying-with-a-broken-ankle/757221/5 "2016-06-13T15:26:56Z")
She very might be put through an ‘express’ line. You should be able to accompany her. At least that’s what happened to my cousin. ---
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2016, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/security-and-flying-with-a-broken-ankle/757221/6 "2016-06-13T16:18:00Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > She very might be put through an ‘express’ line. You should be able to accompany her. At least that’s what happened to my cousin. There is no security “express line.” It’s call TSA Precheck. While she might be instructed through TSA Precheck, that may only occur if the normal lines are very busy and TSA Precheck is not. In any case, she will not go through security without a secondary screening, normal or TSA Precheck. You might want to have a signed doctor’s note available. It’s not necessary but it won’t hurt. ---
**Author:** ![Claverhouse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/13edae/32.png) [@Claverhouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Claverhouse)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2016, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/security-and-flying-with-a-broken-ankle/757221/7 "2016-06-13T17:32:09Z")
This post refers to EU regulation, but I’m not being sarcastic in saying American service will be at least equally good. Particularly since airlines are multinational _You can get assistance at the airports that we fly from and arrive at to help you through the airport and to and from your plane, however, we’ll help you to arrange this assistance. At every airport in our network assistance is available, should you need it._ _Under European law airports in the countries of the European Union (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom) as well as Iceland, Norway and Switzerland have to make available assistance to help you:_ _[COLOR=#333333]get from your point of arrival at the airport you are flying from (car park, station, drop-off point, etc.) to the Bag Drop;_[/COLOR] [ul] [li]_go through customs and security to the boarding gate;_[/li][li]_get on board the plane and into your seat;_[/li][li]_stow your cabin baggage in the overhead locker;_[/li][li]_get off the plane after landing;_[/li][li]_retrieve your baggage and any mobility equipment;_[/li][li]_bring you to the point at which you leave the airport._[/li][/ul] \*If you let us know what help you need at least 48 hours (2 days) before your flight is due to leave, we will forward this information to the airport. The assistance provider at the airport will give you the help and services you need and provide any necessary equipment. If you give less than 48 hours’ notice, the airport may not be able to provide the service as promptly as you need. So, please always think ahead and tell us how we and the airport can best assist you. \* _It is really important that you give us the right information about your needs so that we can be sure that your journey goes smoothly. For example, always be realistic about how far you can walk, as there are long distances to departure gates at some airports. You can find airport-specific information in our Airport Guides or on the airports’ own websites._ [**EasyJet Site**](http://www.easyjet.com/en/help/preparing-to-fly/special-assistance) Special Assistance So I would contact the _ **Airline** _ at least 48 hours beforehand and take their advice and offered assistance, particularly with regard to expedited security, and if possible the loan of a wheelchair through the crowds. People going lame always overestimate their potential speed and someone pushing her can go faster than hobbling bravely. Aside from the airline, the _airport_ will have special assistance points for disabled travellers. \*Special assistance help points for all those with a disability or mobility difficulties are sited on both terminal forecourts, short stay car parks, stations, baggage reclaim halls and on some routes within the terminals where there are long walking distances. Assistance is free. You can also ask for help with your wheelchair or baggage to get to check-in. \*[\*\* Gatwick Airport\*\*](https://www.gatwickairport.com/at-the-airport/passenger-services/special-assistance/our-facilities/) One doesn’t get bonus points from God at the end for proud independence and tough self-reliance.