Worthless card

Airline passengers expect a degree of inconvenience to make sure flights are safe from terrorist attack. But a line was crossed for a woman in Seattle recently, causing her to change modes of travel.

Alaska state Rep. Sharon Cissna was singled out for a pat-down at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, after a full-body scan revealed scars from a mastectomy. Cissna declined to undergo what she called a "feeling up."

Instead of flying, she decided to make her way back to Alaska by ferry. She did not provide further details about the pat-down, nor did she say whether she has a breast implant. But the Transportation Security Administration's Web site says officers "will need to see and touch your prosthetic device, cast or support as part of the screening process." So touching of the breast appears likely.

It makes sense for TSA agents to look at or touch a knee brace or prosthetic hand. By the same token, a breast implant could contain material that would lead to success for a potential suicide bomber.

Several months ago, the TSA approved a new medical card that enables a passenger to discreetly inform an agent of a medical condition or support.

While using the card does not necessarily save airport passengers from a screening or pat-down, it should go a long way to assure TSA agents that a traveler's description of her medical situation is on the up and up.

- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette