Airport travel and security by Carolyn Peat

The following article was submitted by Carolyn Peat for the December 2024 issue of our Korero newsletter. You can find the full December issue of Korero here on our website.

Recently I had the pleasure of meeting with the Aviation Security Team in Auckland to learn what our rights are when travelling through an airport. Whether it is International or Domestic travel we are all expected to go through the security screening process, however for a blind or vision impaired traveller this can be a confusing and frightening experience if you do not understand what is happening.

The first thing you will experience is having your bags scanned and do not worry if they need to search your bags. This will often happen if you have a Braille Display or Notetaker in your bag as these are devices the team do not often see. You will also be expected to walk through the metal detector. If you wear jewellery or have a Guide Dog, then you will set off the alarms.

Then what happens next is you will be given a choice. You can have a body pat-down at that location or be taken to another location. Alternatively, you can be taken to the body scanner. The security person will assist you on where to place your feet and show you how to raise your arms. Then the scanner will scan your body, and you will then leave the machine. If necessary, they may ask to give you a pat-down on specific locations on your body.

For those with Guide Dogs if you opt for the body scanner you can take your dog with you to the scanner. Let the dog walk through and out the other side and leave it to wait while you have the body scan. The important thing to remember is that staff should be communicating with you and telling you at all times what is happening. Also do not be afraid to ask questions if you need clarification on what is happening.

I hope this information is useful and helps to lessen any anxiety you may have about travelling through an airport.
Aviation Security (aviation.govt.nz) also provides the following information about their machines:

• The Metal detector uses magnets to check for metal it does not use radiation of any kind, People with a pacemakers should notify security that they have a pacemaker, so they are not asked to pass through this piece of equipment.
• The Body Scanner (AIT) uses radio waves that bounce off the skin and will produce either a clear image or anomalies, there is no radiation in these machines either, this is safe for pacemakers however a person can still request a full pat down if they wish.
• Only the bag X-ray machine uses radiation to get an image of the bag, this is not harmful to a person as 3 layers of lead curtains protect the radiation from escaping the machine.
• Our officers are not allowed to touch another person without their consent so if an officer needs to perform a pat down, they should always ask consent and explain how and where they will touch you.

Image Description: A blind person walks with a white cane through an airport transit lounge. In the background, large windows reveal a plane taking off against a clear sky.