The Truth About Traveling with a Disability
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
April 1, 2004
At Washington National Airport recently, I noticed the familiar “SSSS” printed along the bottom of my ticket. I sighed, telling myself to be patient, reminding myself that relief for frequent fliers could be on the way soon, and repeating the road-warriors’ mantra: this is for our collective safety. Feeling particularly harried on this day, I remind myself of the nobility of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and each and every worker as they operate as our last line of defense. Yet, it wasn't the heft of responsibility resting on every TSA employee that allowed me to get perspective. No, in this case it came from realizing just how good I have it.
You see, while waiting for my "female assist" I spotted an elderly man with two partial-limbs where his legs once would have been, sitting atop a power wheelchair. He was approaching security, being guided by security personnel. The man had enough patience and calm to teach me a lesson. I watched while I was being wanded and patted-down. He had to endure the same actions, have his chair inspected, his belongings combed, even his legs were felt before he was released. The difference was the ease with which I was able to collect my things and go on my way.
I was sitting comfortably at my gate before he was completely ready to collect his boarding pass. It's an image that has stayed with me. While I cover travel, it can be easy to ignore that there are so many people in this country with some form of disability.
There are invisible disabilities or medical conditions, which require certain travelers to have special security procedures conducted. For some, it's due to a pacemaker or metal pins, for others, it's an insulin pump or medical syringes–all of which were security nightmares up until a few years ago.
Did you know that prior to the TSA taking over security procedures at airports there was no unilateral procedure for getting through security? People were often separated from their seeing eyes dogs, had walking sticks taken away, and were denied their syringes for insulin injections. Other times, they were simply waved through without checking at all, for lack of a better plan. Seems idiotic. Sounds preposterous. Unfortunately, it happened.
Thankfully, that’s not true anymore. The TSA has painstakingly put procedures in place at all of its checkpoints around the country to make disability screening uniform. It may not be pleasant, but at least you know what to expect.
While the TSA has made significant strides in making this easier and streamlined, they admit there continues to be room for improvement. In fact, they have just launched the latest updates for disabled travelers, which can be found at www.tsa.gov under “disabled travelers.”
If you or someone you know has special needs, know that you can request security that is tailored specifically to those needs. Simply alert the TSA employees. Or, if you're lucky, enough to not require any special assistance, be grateful and be generous. If you see someone who looks like they don't get around as easily, step aside so they don't have to maneuver around you. Even better, consider doing a good deed for the day and offer up some assistance. It just might make your trip a little bit better.
Here are a few things to keep in mind while navigating through airport security as a person with disabilities or if you're traveling with someone with a disability:
Disabled people often require special screening, and it is likely to take more time than normal. Just navigating the airport can be a longer process than for others, with baggage collection, etc…. Remember to factor additional time into your travel plans to accommodate this.
You may request a pat down in lieu of going through the walk-through metal detector or being hand-wanded. (You do not need to disclose why you would like this option.)
If a personal search is required you may choose to remain in the wanding area or go to a private area for your screening. (If you refuse either option you will not be able to fly.)
You may ask for a chair if you need to sit down during the screening process.
If you have a disability condition or implant that you would like to remain private and confidential, ask the screener to please be discreet when assisting you through the screening process.
People with hidden disabilities should advise screeners that they have a hidden disability and may need some assistance, or need to move a bit more slowly than others.
Family members or traveling companions can advise screeners when they are traveling with someone who has a hidden disability, which may cause that person to move a little slower, become agitated easily, and/or need additional attention.
Family members or traveling companions can offer suggestions to screeners on the best way to approach and deal with the person with a hidden disability, especially when it is necessary to touch the person during a pat-down inspection.
If you have a medical device (implanted on the interior or exterior of your body) check with your doctor prior to traveling to determine if it is safe for you to go through the walk-through metal detector or be hand-wanded.
TSA recommends that you bring the tools and appliances that you use to put on or take off your prosthetic device (e.g. wrenches, pull sleeves, etc…), should you need to remove your prosthetic device for any reason. (TSA allows these tools to be carried through the security checkpoint once they have been screened.)
If you have a question or topic you would like me to cover in a future column, please e-mail Amy Ziff at askamy@travelocity.com And remember to look here for your topic each week!
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