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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 Guidelines for Dressing While Traveling

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The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) has issued the following suggestions for dressing to make your journey through airport security as easy as possible:

Be aware of what common items might set off the metal detector. Avoid wearing them, or hand them over to the security officer before you pass through the detector. These items include:

keys
loose change
cell phones
PDA’s
heavy jewelry
clothing with metal fasteners
hair barrettes
belt buckles
under-wire bras

Metal body piercings may set off the metal detector. You can ask to remove them in private rather than have a pat-down search.

Travelers must take off their shoes and put them through the x-ray machine separately. You then walk through the metal detector and reclaim your shoes on the other side. It’s suggested that travelers wear slip-on shoes to make this process quick and easy.

You can wear loose-fitting clothing, but it may cause you to require additional screening. This may include a hand-wand or pat-down search.

Anyone can wear a head covering, whether religious in nature or not. It may cause you to be directed to additional screening, however. If a pat-down search isn’t sufficient, the traveler will be asked to remove the head covering in a private screening area.

If travelers are required to undergo additional screening for any reason, they can always request a private screening area, and they will have a security officer of the same gender.

In short, a little common sense should help any traveler avoid delays in getting through airport security easily. Just leave the suit of armor at home. For more information, visit the TSA’s site.