I have a knapsack that loops over my handlebars, but I don't take that with
me on airplanes; too much hassle.  I just pack in my suitcase (it folds up
quite compactly) and it's checked in with my luggage.

So no worries or time spent in the security checkout with it.  However I
think I'm outside the norm with this because I try to travel as lightly as
possible and I don't need a lot with me on the plane - just a book to keep
me occupied.  I've noticed, though, in the last month, that people seem to
be checking in more bags and carrying less on flights.

        Kathy S.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Betty B" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, October 25, 2001 12:49 AM
Subject: Re: Airport Security & Disability Assistive Devices


> In a message dated 10/23/2001 7:17:52 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
> [log in to unmask] writes:
>
> > Betty,
> >      I have been using forearm crutches for 35 years. I would have no
> problem
> >  allowing them to be x-rayed or taken apart at security checkpoints as
long
> >  as provisions are made for me to sit down or lean against a wall during
the
> >  process. I am currently using Walk Easy crutches, which can be taken
apart
> >  and reassembled in a minute or two.
>
> Got em -- love em!  What color are yours?  Mine are green, but I have
> discovered that those different colored, plastic shower curtain rod covers
> easily fit around the crutches.  I cut the covers to fit around those
little
> great thingys (you know what I mean), and VIOLA (pronounced like the
stringed
> instrument)!  New crutches!
>
> But, as usual, I digress.
>
> >      The more important question, it seems to me, is would I be allowed
> >  access to my crutches in flight?  After all, access to crutches
determines
> >  whether or not I have access to restrooms.
>
> Susan, you're protected under the Air Carrier Access Act.  If you were to
> brandish your crutches in a threatening manner, you would surely be
arrested,
> but they wouldn't keep you from access to your crutches in fear of that
> occurrence.  They will not keep you from going to the toidy.  Neither will
> security expect you to relinquish your crutches without offering you a
seat.
> You will not be made to lean against a wall.
>
> The ACAA does not offer any protection to a person with a disability, if
> airline security considers that person to be a safety hazard.  The airline
> has to substantiate its claim in writing, but it can elect to prevent such
a
> person from boarding.
>
> It's not so much that the person with the disability might be a hazard in
> himself, or that he is more suspect because he is using assistive devices.
> It is only that we have more "things" with hollow spaces.  These things
just
> happen to be assistive devices for people with disabilities.
>
> If I were to try to take my spotting scope (birding scope) on a plane
right
> now, it would be scrutinized much more carefully than in "the before
time."
> In fact, I expect that they might even take it apart.  In the interest of
> national security, I would not mind, nor would I argue.
>
> You know how good terrorists are.  We all know that now.  If they are
looking
> for an opportunity to sneak something onto a plane without boarding
> themselves, they are going to look for the most vulnerable situation to
> exploit.
>
> Do those of you who use wheelchairs keep a backpack -- or something
similar
> -- on the back as I do?  Somebody who knows what he's doing can slip
> something in your backpack, and you would never know what happened.  If
> security doesn't pick it up, it's either going in the overhead
compartment,
> or in baggage.  Bottom line: It will be on the plane.  Mission
accomplished,
> and you will have been the unwitting pawn.
>
> >  PS I'm delighted to see you posting once again.  Susan
>
> I am honored Susan, I truly am.  Thank you.  You all needed a break from
me
> anyway.  I know because I needed a break from me!
>
> Betty