Airport Security
Something solid metal like the PUD that could be assembled into perhaps a hammer-type weapon (with the addition of a threaded stick) would seem like something TSA could reasonably want to confiscate. But a light tugging contraption is not going to be a problem. I carry on foreskin restoration device samples in my satchel every time I fly and I’ve never been asked about them. I even wear the TLC-X through the metal detector with no problem (its small metal parts are aluminum and stainless; with non-magnetic metals you’d need a whole lot to cause a reaction on the magnetometer). But note, even the silicone-only Your-Skin Cone will be visible in a full-body imaging scan (which is becoming ubiquitous).
If you want to WEAR a device through the checkpoint you may find this story useful. On my return flight from my 2011 Howard Stern Show appearance in NYC I got to the airport VERY early, so I decided to wear heavy steel weights through the checkpoint to see how TSA handles things. Bottom line: 10 minutes lost, no nudity or embarrassment.
What I did was approach the magnetometer attendant, and I said: “I’m wearing a post-surgical brace with metal parts.” I didn’t want them to think I had a bomb and use a taser on me. She waved me through and said: “Yep, hold up.” She wanded me and found a high response near my groin. I said: “If you want to see it we’ll need some privacy.” She asked me to wait for a pair of agents matching my gender. That wait was only about a minute.
The two agents took me into a private cubicle. They wanded me again, gave me a non-genital pat-down through clothes, and asked what was up. I told them my post-surgical brace has metal parts. They asked if the metal could be removed. I said sure. They took EVERYTHING of mine out of the cubicle except my cell phone and the clothes I was wearing, and they left. They asked me to have the metal parts on the table for them when they got back. When they got back they looked at the weight and said sorry for the delay.
The special inspection cost me 10 extra minutes, there was no nudity, and I suffered no embarrassment.
Now, my device is for correcting a problem caused by malpractice. I’m happy to speak frankly about it any time to anyone. If you’re shy about your device that could be a different story.
Also of note, the suspender-style tugging straps that go with taped or tapeless restoring devices have steel clips that WILL set off the metal detector, which I found out trying to get into a courthouse while taped-up back in 2001. That pre-9/11 episode was a bit less respectful. I had to explain myself in a bathroom in earshot of strangers, and got quite the smirk from the officers. I would have handled them much more confidently if it happened now.
-Ron Low
Founder, TLC Tugger
2011