Flying with a diaper on

Wed Jun 29, 2011 10:57 am

Well...a 95 year old dying grandmother had to remove her diapers by the TSA so they could inspect them - or - not get on the plane. Makes me never want to fly again. I have flown plenty but now I am rethinking it all! Papa

Wed Jun 29, 2011 1:11 pm

I think that is an isolated incident of someone (TSA) having a power trip. I flew last April and had no problems even though my diaper was a bit wet. The pat down they did on the grandma was standard because wheelchair sets off the detectors anyway. Telling her that she had to remove the diaper or not be allowed through is where they crossed the line and became the SS.

Wed Jun 29, 2011 3:06 pm

Yeah, this is going to get a whole lot of attention. The TSA did screw up. I've been though a lot of airport security and have had no problem at all. But it is at the back of my mind when I go through the scanners. I always have a change on me, so if they want me to take off my wet diaper, they can have it after they examine it all they want. These guys need to get a brain if this ever comes up again. ....Paul Martin

Wed Jun 29, 2011 3:30 pm

Paul, You said "IF it ever comes up again. I am willing to bet it has come up a lot and will still - would you go on national TV, News, Etc. complaining how they made you take your DIAPER off??? I sure as hell wouldn't! I was patted down in Germany on my way back from Italy about 4 years ago I had on a thick diaper for the trip - I swore I would never again fly - and nothing was made of my diaper. I have flown again but am way anxious about the whole ordeal. Vietnam made me less anxious - other than the worry of loosing friends. Papa

Wed Jun 29, 2011 5:17 pm

Now now. This incident has been totally blown out of proportions by the press.

Read the TSA's blog post on the subject. The woman's daughter elected to remove the diaper during the screening procedure even though the TSA told her she wouldn't have to.

Thu Jun 30, 2011 12:37 pm

Puddle, I doubt very much the daughter removed her mother's wet diaper with no replacement and then had to go through the security process a second time if TSA said she didn't have to. Papa

Thu Jun 30, 2011 2:12 pm

Papa wrote:Puddle, I doubt very much the daughter removed her mother's wet diaper with no replacement...

Which brings me to another suspicious point. What kind of incontinent person goes anywhere with a wet diaper and nothing to change into? If I leave the house I always have at least one spare with me, and will take two or three if I'm going to be out for a while. Who goes to the airport and gets on a plane for a flight that could last several hours without having a change?

My gut tells me that we're not being given the whole story here. We know the press' habits of sensationalizing everything, and jumping to conclusions without having heard all the evidence is just wrong.

Fri Jul 01, 2011 5:46 am

Puddle, She was 95, dying and wheelchair bound. Her daughter had to take it off - not her. Do you really believe she could change her own diapers? And this (TSA) is the same group that was filmed giving a complete pat down to a 6 year old girl. I am always skeptical of the press also but I doubt the daughter "made up a story"! Papa

She also said they were polite and professional - but to me professional is also being able to judge a situation and make a good call.

Fri Jul 01, 2011 6:12 am

Welcome to Germany 1938. The governing body now decides who can travel on "Public Transportation".

My apologies to schoppy.

Fri Jul 01, 2011 10:39 am

Papa wrote:She also said they were polite and professional - but to me professional is also being able to judge a situation and make a good call.

Unfortunately, b/c the PC folks won't let the TSA profile passengers, anyone who triggers and alarm or presents something "suspicious" must be searched. It's in the regulations.

Now if they could profile, only adult males of Middle Eastern heritage would be searched... because little old ladies, children and people who aren't Muslim don't try to bring down airliners.

Welcome to the modern world. We let the government take away our civil rights in the name of safety. We don't say anything because we are scared little sheep who have all been trained to follow along without asking questions. After all, Nanny Sam must have our best interests in mind... right?