It’s safe to wear a prosthesis on an aeroplane or pack it as carry-on luggage – the change in altitude and air pressure won’t affect the prosthesis. The rules about liquids, gels and aerosols don’t apply to silicone gel breast prostheses because they are considered to be a medical device.
Most international airports use security systems and full-body scanners that pick up items worn under clothing such as a prosthesis. To confirm that the prosthesis isn’t a threat, airport security staff may organise another imaging scan or a pat down, which will happen in a private area by a staff member of the same gender. They should not ask you to lift your clothing or remove the prosthesis, or touch the prosthesis.
How to fly with a prosthesis
- Let the airport security officer know that you are wearing a prosthesis, if you feel comfortable to do so.
- Ask your treatment team for a letter stating that you wear a prosthesis and have it with you.
- Request to be screened in a private area and by a security officer of the same gender.
- If you think you haven’t been treated with dignity or respect, let the screening supervisor know. You can also complain in writing to airport management.
- Pack your prosthesis or mastectomy bra in your carry-on bag if you don’t want to wear it.
- Visit the Australian government’s TravelSECURE for more information about travelling with a prosthesis.
→ READ MORE: Paying for a breast prosthesis
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More resources
Dr Jane O’Brien, Specialist Oncoplastic Breast Cancer Surgeon, St Vincent’s Private Hospital, VIC; Clare Bradshaw, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Breast Assessment Unit, Fiona Stanley Hospital, WA; Rene Hahn, Consumer; Sinead Hanley, Consumer; Dr Marc Langbart, Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Randwick Plastic Surgery, NSW; Melanie Law, Consumer; Sally Levy, Consumer; Annmaree Mitchell, Consumer; Ashleigh Mondolo, Breast Cancer Nurse Clinical Consultant, Mater Private Hospital Brisbane, QLD; Rochelle Osgood, Clinical Nurse Consultant – McGrath Breast Care Nurse, Sunshine Coast University Hospital, QLD: Dr Kallyani Ponniah, Head of Department, Breast Centre, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, WA; Meg Rynderman OAM, Consumer; Sarah Stewart, Breast Care Nurse, The Royal Women’s Hospital, VIC; Erin Tidball, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council NSW; Jane Turner, Senior Exercise Physiologist, Sydney Cancer Survivorship Centre, Concord Cancer Centre, NSW.
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