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TSA Policy on Screening People with Disabilities or Illness

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Every person and item that enters the secure boarding area of an airport must be screened by the TSA (Transportation Security Administration). In order to ensure that properly screening those traveling with a disability or illness is balanced with treating them with respect, the TSA has developed a program for screening the disabled and their associated equipment and belongings. This program was developed with help from over 70 disability-related groups. All manner of disability, including mobility, hearing, visual, and those with hidden disabilities, are covered.

All disability-related equipment is allowed through security checkpoints, once it’s cleared screening. A listing of permitted disability-related equipment can be found on their site.

Additionally, any liquid prescription medication or other liquids needed by those with disabilities or medical conditions are also permitted. If they’re larger that 3 ounces each, however, they’re not to be placed in your 1-quart ziplock bag, and must be declared to the Security Officer. It’s recommended, but not required, that you provide any supporting documentation about your medication, and it’s also recommended that only the amount needed for the flight itself be carried in your carry-on bag, with the rest packed in your checked bag.

You won’t be required to remove your shoes, but you will be subject to additional visual and physical screening that includes explosive trace detection sampling of your shoes while they remain on your feet.

The TSA has much more information about their program on their site, including information on the screening of casts, prosthetic devices, braces, implanted medical devices, respiratory-related equipment, mobility aids, dressings and more. Also included are sections relating to traveling with children with special needs, traveling with service animals, and tips on preparing for your trip before you reach the airport. It’s definitely a good idea to know what to expect at the airport before you get there, so that you’re able to prepare for things to go as smoothly as possible. Travel can be difficult enough, especially for those with special needs.

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TSA Requirements for Traveling with Pets and Service Animals

The TSA doesn’t prohibit travelers from bringing animals on their flight, but you’ll need to follow your airline’s policy on traveling with animals, so be sure to check with your airline before you travel.

If you’re traveling with a pet, you’ll need to submit your pet to the Security Officer at the checkpoint. It’s preferred that you walk your pet through the metal detector yourself. If this isn’t possible, then your pet will be subject to a secondary screening which includes a visual and physical inspection.

Your pet will never have to go through the x-ray machine. If your pet is in a carrier though, you’ll need to take it out of the carrier, and put the carrier through the x-ray machine. You can visit the TSA’s site if you’d like more information on traveling with pets.

If you’re traveling with a service animal, be sure to let the Security Officer know that it’s a service animal, and not a pet. You’ll be moved to the front of the screening line, because your screening may take more time. It’s recommended that you carry some sort of identification which proves that your animal is a service animal, such as any cards or documentation, or a harness.

You won’t be separated from your service animal at any time during the screening, and the Security Officer will ask your permission before they touch your service animal or any of its belongings.

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You’ll be required to maintain control of your service animal and assist during the screening.

If you need to leave the secure boarding area at any time to relieve your service animal, then you’ll need to let the Security Officer know when you return, and they’ll move you to the front of the screening line, as you’ll need to go through the full screening process again.

If the metal detector alarms, whoever has walked through will need to submit to an additional screening, whether it’s you or your service animal, or both of you together. If your service animal requires additional screening due to a metal detector alarm, the Security Officer will ask your permission and assistance to physically inspect your service animal and its belongings. Its belongings won’t be removed from your service animal at any time.

There’s also a procedure in place to screen service monkeys. For a more detailed explanation of the TSA’s policies on traveling with service animals, you can visit their site.