Tips on Traveling with your Prosthesis

1. Pack a “tool kit”

• T wrench
• Extra liner, sealing sleeve, and sealing ring
• Shoe horn

2. If traveling to the beach and/or swimming in salt water:

• Rinse the prosthesis off with fresh water at the end of each day. Sand and salt can delaminate the carbon fiber layers in some of the components or lead to tearing and/or holes in the foot shell.
• If possible, remove the foot cover to remove any sand and rinse well with fresh water. You may want to air out the Spectra sock-the white or black sock that goes around your prosthetic foot before you slide the foot shell on.
• Once back from vacation, schedule a visit with your prosthetist for a thorough cleaning of your prosthesis.
• These simple proactive measures taken will help extend the life of your prosthesis.

3. If flying to your destination:

Plan and give yourself ample time for checking in, going through security, and, if it’s a large airport, walking and navigating your way to your gate.

• Check the TSA website for details https://www.tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures
• You should not need to take off your prosthesis when going through security, but additional measures may need to be taken for the screening process.
• Security agents may want to perform a trace sampling, which consists of wiping your hands and your prosthesis. You may be asked to move your clothing (raise your pant leg or arm sleeve) so your prosthesis is accessible
• You may want to reserve a wheelchair with the airline you are flying with for ease of use and getting through a busy airport.
• Select a seat with additional legroom.
• Do NOT remove your leg while flying. With decreased air pressure at higher elevations, your residual limb will swell up, and you might not be able to get your prosthesis back on.
• Pack your “tool kit” in your carry-on items so it is handy and accessible.