Travel with boots and bar - airport security nightmare

Just got back from holiday and HAD to share our airport experience 🙄

Security at Manchester had NO IDEA what boots and bar were. Wanted to remove them for the scanner. Eventually got a supervisor but it added 30 mins.

Tip: get a consultant letter!! We didn't have one. Anyone got a template?

Same experience at Heathrow! Security wanted to PUT THE BAR THROUGH THE XRAY 😱 Like sir, it is attached to my child.

We got a consultant letter and laminated it. Never had an issue again. Happy to share the wording!

Also: Ryanair seats are tight. The bar barely fit. Next time booking extra legroom!

I wrote a template letter for our clinic that we give all brace families:

"To whom it may concern, [child name] is undergoing treatment for clubfoot. They wear a medical device (foot abduction brace) which must remain on during travel and cannot be removed for security screening."

With consultant signature and letterhead. Feel free to adapt! 💙

we fly a lot with the brace and most airports are fine. letter helps but even without we've been ok. UK airports better than European ones in my experience.

top tip: if hiring a car abroad, check the car seat fits with the brace. we had to swap at the rental desk 😅