Fear of security search stopping me flying

LegacyUser

Hi,


I have a history of sexual abuse in my past, I don't like strangers touching me. In recent times, I have developed a fear of flying due to the airport security searches.

I know it is extremely rare to be stopped and searched/patted down, but this would really freak me out.

I have flown in the past and thankfully I never had to be searched/patted down.

Friends of mine want to book a holiday, I want to go with them, but the thoughts of this happening to me is putting me off, to be honest it has stopped me from flying and going on trips in recent times. The loss of control and some stranger touching me would freak me out, I would hate for this to happen on a holiday with friends (who don't know and never will know about my situation).

I am tempted to book this, then on the other hand, I would prefer to stay in my comfort zone and holiday in Ireland, at least here I won't have to be searched before I travel anywhere!!

Perhaps give it a miss for the moment?

Neyite

I could be open to correction here, but I dont think they pat you down any more going through normal security? Any time I set the metal detector off (thanks, bra!) they have a wand thingy they whizz over your clothes, but not touching them.

I'm wondering if your GP could help - as in, prescribe something to take that might reduce anxiety prior to security point, or even carrying a doctor letter to explain your phobia. I'm not sure, but airports must have some procedures in place to check those who say, have sensory issues or for whom the security check might set off panic attacks to ensure that distress is minimised for them - I've just checked DAA Security and they do have a section on their website for travelling with ASD and mobility issues.

They say you can contact DAA customer care personnel to assist you on going through the airport process, so it might be worth ringing /emailing them to see if there is anything they can recommend that would help you?

Chucky the tree

Last tune I set off the metal dector I get patted down so it can happen. I might just have that sort of dodgy face though. I agree with Neyite about contacting the DAA and a GP but I'd go a step further and ask the GP to recommend a councillor as well. You don't have to let something like this stop you from traveling and enjoying your life.

skallywag

I agree that the DAA may be able to help you with the departure side of things, but I would be more concerned about the security setup on the other side when you are returning, particularly if there are language barriers, etc. One idea though OP, a lot of the larger airports are currently using full body scanners, if the airport that you will be using has these then I'm pretty sure that you would avoid a pat down if you go through one of these. They basically take a 3D picture of you which can see through your clothes. Perhaps it's worth checking out if your destination airport has this capability?

meeeeh

Normally I would just get scanned with a stick but last time I was patted because I was wearing very loose dress.

I don't think anyone can guarantee you you won't be searched. But if you avoid baggy clothing and any metal in your clothes and take of your shoes your chances will be minimized significantly. I can't see how DAA can help because security have to do their job when there is a possibly of a security breach. However I would talk to a gp. It would be a great pitty to miss the holiday.

iusedtoknow

I will be honest, I get patted down often enough and it usually my jeans that do it.

I'm going to sound a bit of an odd here, but if you wear a tightish dress or skirt top combo (with a jumper you can slip off to walk through the X-ray) you should be fine. Just remember to take off watches or anything metallic you'll be wearing.

My sister hates going through security as well and is never patted down because she does the above and hasn't had to through it.

However you will also have to contend with coming home as well, depending on where you are they can be stricter

whatismyname

Hey OP

I don't really have any advice as such, or at least nothing that'd be different from anything already said... but just wanted to let you know that I know where you're coming from and how hard things like this can be, and that you're not alone x

kjl

Even if you have no metal on you, you can still set off the alarm, they check every 10-15 person randomly.

I think if you spoke to the person before you going through and explain that you have a problem with them touching you, take off any kind of jacket, jumper and shoes and you should be fine. Even if it is a random check they would probably use the wand.

Tokyo

At risk of not addressing the issue in the way you'd like me to, OP, have you considered getting some professional help for this? I can't imagine the traumatic experience that you have been though, but the knock on effects of it are debilitating to the point of keeping you bound in your own country, and figuring out how to get through an airport without going through a pat-down is addressing the symptoms, rather than getting to the root of the issue causing it in the first place. I would strongly speaking to your counsellor over this, to see what they would recommend.

To address the immediate symptoms, you can't be guaranteed that you won't be patted down, even if it is at a cursory level. You can take steps to reduce the odds though - travelling in lightweight clothing that doesn't give the appearance of concealing anything, or containing underwire or rivets that might set off the metal detector. Slip on shoes that can easily be chucked into the x-ray machine, nothing in your pockets that you might forget to take out before going through security, etc. And if you do get patted down, it will be by a security officer of the same sex. If it isn't (which is very unlikely), you can request it.

LynnGrace

I second what mike said. I cannot even begin to imagine how difficult this must be for you. If you are already receiving professional help, hopefully addressing the specific issues with a medical professional, about what is involved in airport security checks, might help.

Unfortunately, there are no guarantees of not being patted down. I've never been patted or checked leaving Dublin, over and above the usual checks that everyone goes through.
However, the last few times I've flown back from Heathrow, for example, I've been patted down every time. So there are no guarantees that it wouldn't happen, at some point. Anytime it has happened, they seemed to be patting everyone down.
I do hope that things improve for you, OP. It must be very very difficult.

helimachoptor

Op i fly a lot, you can be patted down at any airport.

It's been a while since i was patted down but i never beep going through.

You can make it less likely by making sure every single bit of metal is in the tray but if you are going to the USA the TSA guys there can be real d*cks and if they single you out and you seem nervous its a never ending cycle.

Permabear

This post has been deleted.

LegacyUser

You can minimise the chances of you being patted down, but theres no guarantees that you won't be. Tbh if you act all nervous, you are definitely going to be individually screened, whether that's with the wand or patted down. You might get away with objecting to that on some level in Dublin airport, but you will bring a world of sh*t on yourself if you do that Statesite. I've also found Sweden, Norway, Belgium, France & Germany to be quite strict, I.e. chances are that you'll be patted down.

If you want to leave Ireland for hols, I think you're going to have to deal with your issue, rather than trying to find somewhere that you won't have any chance of being patted down.