TSA Combined Thread (braces, ports, guests with disabilities and airport screening)

[SueM in MN]

Ok, now I feel silly! I can't believe I missed that!

This will make you feel better.
I thought there was a link there, but had to check it out for sure before I posted there was.

I would post a direct link, but I can't do that on my iPod.

 

[KPeveler]

This will make you feel better.
I thought there was a link there, but had to check it out for sure before I posted there was.

I would post a direct link, but I can't do that on my iPod.

Got it!

http://www.dlrp.org/html/publications/ebulletins/legal/2009/may2009.html

There is this link as well
http://www.dotcr.ost.dot.gov/asp/airacc.asp

 

[KPeveler]

Here is a link to an article from MSNBC:
http://technolog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2010/11/22/5510440-tell-the-tsa-dont-touch-my-junk-heres-how

Forgive the name of the article - I did not pick it!

It lists several ways to appropriately get in touch with the TSA after an encounter at an airport, whether you have a complaint, a commendation, or an evaluation.

I do NOT intend this thread to be an evaluation of TSA procedures or a debate of any kind. I am not stating my opinion of the TSA or their procedures by posting this, nor am I agreeing or disagreeing with MSNBC's stance. I just happened to come across this article and thought it contained some good information.

 

[WheeledTraveler]

I have not found anything on the TSA website confirming it, but websites like Flyertalk are saying that people with disabilities who are not able to go thru the AIT scanner are not considered to have "Opted out" since they are not able to go thru.

Unfortunately, my experience in Orlando and Hartford in the last month was that even though I wasn't even in lines for the new scanners, as an adult wheelchair user I was given the enhanced pat down, or close to. The TSA agent in Hartford even hurt me she grabbed so hard. The TSA agent in Orlando was fine and really apologetic, actually. The one thing that has me not 100% positive it was the full enhanced pat down is that the things in my groin area were not as intrusive as I've heard they're supposed to be, but it definitely was more involved than pat downs I have gotten in the past.

 

[Stellapedia]

I have 8 external support braces, and occasionally one other. You do not need to remove them, but I have always been wanded and had a pat down. Always. I've never NOT had a pat down. They also bomb swab every brace.

 

[CPT Tripss]

The ostomy story is disturbing and points to TSA people who are not well trained. From looking at the TSA website, they have included people with disabilities in their planning for various screening. I know that the TSA agents we have encountered in Minneapolis and Orlando when traveling with DD in her wheelchair have been generally very nice and very professional. But, with as many airports and as many TSA staff as there are, it's not a surprise that some are rude or ill trained.

Interestingly, on the question of braces, I found a TSA page I had not seen before. The first page talks about passengers with braces, artificial limbs, etc (and does include your rights - like they will not require you to remove the braces - so you probably want to print it out).
It also includes some information about ostomies that says passengers should advise TSA agents that they have an ostomy and that they will not be required to remove it. There is some information on that page about external devices (which would include ostomy appliances) which is contradictory:
"If you are wearing an exterior medical device and are uncomfortable with going through the metal detector or be handwanded, you may request a pat-down inspection and visual inspection of your device instead.....
# Security Officers should not be asking you to remove your orthopedic shoes, appliances, or medical device (insulin pump, feeding tube, ostomy or urine bag, or exterior component of cochlear implant) at any time during the screening process.
Advise the Security Officer if you have an ostomy or urine bag. You will not be required to expose these devices for inspection."
That page is not new, but there is a link on that page to a page about a new technology, introduced in 2008 called CastScope, which allows TSA to check casts, braces and similar devices without having them removed. From the description, it is the same general technology as the new AIT scanners, using back scatter technology to produce a clear image of casts, prosthesis, etc.
This is a page about AIT scanners from the TSA website that talks about how they work. From what I have read, some airports have had backscatter technology AIT scanners installed - which sound like they would be able to handle casts, braces and other devices. Some airports have had millimeter wave technology scanners installed, which I can't find out anything more about whether those will clear things like casts, braces, etc.

It's important to keep in mind that (at least as of the weekend) the TSA website information was from before the new procedures went into effect. I would not count on them being accurate today or tomorrow.

TSA seems to have stopped using their "magic wands" and are now relying on the patdown and explosive detection swabs when the metal detector alarms or the new imager is interpreted to show something "suspect."

Since it isn't likely that TSA will release any information or guidance soon, posting experiences here will be helpful.

 

[SueM in MN]

It's important to keep in mind that (at least as of the weekend) the TSA website information was from before the new procedures went into effect. I would not count on them being accurate today or tomorrow.

TSA seems to have stopped using their "magic wands" and are now relying on the patdown and explosive detection swabs when the metal detector alarms or the new imager is interpreted to show something "suspect."

Since it isn't likely that TSA will release any information or guidance soon, posting experiences here will be helpful.

One other thing that is not helpful is that they do not have dates (at least that I can find) on many of their pages. Some of the things are still valid though - I think the part about advising the agents about the device ahead of time is still important. IMHO, that may be the difference between something being an "expected item" and a "possible threat," in the TSA agent's mind.
The part of the website that I thought was interesting was the backscatter technology was being used as early as 2008 for checking braces and other appliances.
I still think it would be a good idea to print out the items, even if they are possibly out of date because it would at least be something official from the TSA that shows the traveler tried to get information ahead of time.

 

[docusmc1]

I fly about 100,000 miles a year in a wheelchair and will be flying out this Wednesday for the first time since the new security checks, I will post when I get to my destination on what happened. I am stuck in my chair and cannot get out of it easy and use a aisle chair to board the plane. The only trouble I have ever had was in San Diego 2 years ago when they insisted that they need to check my chair cushion well it took 3 TSA agent to lift me out of my chair. But right behind me another person confined to a wheelchair was not asked to leave the chair so they can check his cushion. TSA has a lack of consistent rules that they follow. It is left to the individual airport TSA to do what they want not what they are told to due by headquarters.

They are not to patdown a child under 12 but some airports due it anyway against the TSA Guidelines. Strange but true.

So until Wednesday!

Everyone have a safe Turkey Day.

 

[SueM in MN]

I fly about 100,000 miles a year in a wheelchair and will be flying out this Wednesday for the first time since the new security checks, I will post when I get to my destination on what happened. I am stuck in my chair and cannot get out of it easy and use a aisle chair to board the plane. The only trouble I have ever had was in San Diego 2 years ago when they insisted that they need to check my chair cushion well it took 3 TSA agent to lift me out of my chair. But right behind me another person confined to a wheelchair was not asked to leave the chair so they can check his cushion. TSA has a lack of consistent rules that they follow. It is left to the individual airport TSA to do what they want not what they are told to due by headquarters.

They are not to patdown a child under 12 but some airports due it anyway against the TSA Guidelines. Strange but true.

So until Wednesday!

Everyone have a safe Turkey Day.

We did have one trip where they said they needed DD to get out of her wheelchair so that they could check her seat cushion. They asked if the cushion was removable. Since it was, they sent it thru the xray machine.

The reason?
As they did the pat down, the TSA agent noticed that there was gel in the seat cushion in the part below DD's butt. The gel was what 'triggered' the extra look at her seat cushion. The next person in a wheelchair may not have had anything about their cushion that triggered a search.

 

[KPeveler]

We did have one trip where they said they needed DD to get out of her wheelchair so that they could check her seat cushion. They asked if the cushion was removable. Since it was, they sent it thru the xray machine.

The reason?
As they did the pat down, the TSA agent noticed that there was gel in the seat cushion in the part below DD's butt. The gel was what 'triggered' the extra look at her seat cushion. The next person in a wheelchair may not have had anything about their cushion that triggered a search.

I wonder what they would do with me? I have gel in my seat cushion, but I cannot sit in an unpadded seat (i.e. the plastic ones they have there). Some days I can be in one for up to two minutes, but in general, unpadded seats make my hips/SI joints sublux and dislocate (sometimes right away).

I can give them the seat cushion, but they have to give me a padded seat to sit in. I wonder if that sounds reasonable?

 

[LockShockBarrel]

I saw another article today covering 4 instances over the past couple years where people with disabilities or medical issues were put through things they shouldn't be. I can only remember 3 though...one was the gentleman that just made the news with the urostomy bag, a boy in 2009 who was made to remove his leg braces, and a woman with breast cancer who was made to remove her prosethetic (sp?) breast when an agent felt it turning a patdown.

 

[CPT Tripss]

One other thing that is not helpful is that they do not have dates (at least that I can find) on many of their pages. Some of the things are still valid though - I think the part about advising the agents about the device ahead of time is still important. IMHO, that may be the difference between something being an "expected item" and a "possible threat," in the TSA agent's mind.
The part of the website that I thought was interesting was the backscatter technology was being used as early as 2008 for checking braces and other appliances.
I still think it would be a good idea to print out the items, even if they are possibly out of date because it would at least be something official from the TSA that shows the traveler tried to get information ahead of time.

The "cast viewer" scares me. They claim it only penetrates a 1/4 inch . . . my last cast was thicker than that, so if they are correct it won't work and if it does work, how much xray radiation does it really expose people to. And, they don't use xray techs to operate it.

I do carry the TSA page about ortho shoes. It has never been helpful with a front line employee. It takes a supervisor to get correct treatment (and that's only some of the time. Oy, the answers I have heard . . .
" the web site isn't up to date," "how do I know that's really from the web site," "that doesn't apply to this airport," etc.

 

[CPT Tripss]

We did have one trip where they said they needed DD to get out of her wheelchair so that they could check her seat cushion. They asked if the cushion was removable. Since it was, they sent it thru the xray machine.

The reason?
As they did the pat down, the TSA agent noticed that there was gel in the seat cushion in the part below DD's butt. The gel was what 'triggered' the extra look at her seat cushion. The next person in a wheelchair may not have had anything about their cushion that triggered a search.

Amazing . . . xrays can tell whether a gel is explosive. The things you learnhere on DIS!

 

[SueM in MN]

Amazing . . . xrays can tell whether a gel is explosive. The things you learnhere on DIS!

Xrays can only tell that, yep, they said it is gel in the cushion and it sure does look like gel.
I don't think they were looking at the gel itself at all and an xray can't tell anything about what the gel is made of. I think they were concerned about whether there were any other things in the cushion that might look like triggers/bomb parts that could explode the gel if it was an explosive gel.
As DD's cushion had only gel and foam in it, there was nothing suspicious on xray. They could not tell that by feeling, but could tell that by xray.

 

[SueM in MN]

I saw another article today covering 4 instances over the past couple years where people with disabilities or medical issues were put through things they shouldn't be. I can only remember 3 though...one was the gentleman that just made the news with the urostomy bag, a boy in 2009 who was made to remove his leg braces, and a woman with breast cancer who was made to remove her prosethetic (sp?) breast when an agent felt it turning a patdown.

Those things should not have happened, and there should be things in place to make sure they don't happen again.
But, it's important to remember that each day many people with similar disabilities go thru security without having any problems. I think the news media is scaring people into thinking this is what to expect in every case instead of realizing that these are the exceptions that are rare, but shouldn't be happening at all.

 

[Schmeck]

They are not to patdown a child under 12 but some airports due it anyway against the TSA Guidelines. Strange but true.

Children under age 12 are not supposed to get the enhanced patdown, but they are still eligible for the regular patdown.

 

[SAGE]

Hi- I have a 15 yr old son with Asperger's. He is pretty big for his age ( 5'10 or so and about 170 lbs. ) He must look a bit older than he is since on our last flight in August leaving Tampa he was asked how old he was where you hand your ID to enter security. They were opk when he said 14.. BUT, there are times that he gets quite confused going through security. Can't quite follow all directions on how to put shoes, bags, etc on security belt. ( He's normally already a bit agitated from the line etc) I have had a few security people get a bit huffy and stresed when I have had tried to reach out and help him get through security ect.. So, I know his behaviour at security may stand out as odd and he may be pulled for "special screening." Well, now I know that the "enhanced" pat down is not going to go over well with him and even if they allowed me to watch- he's not gonna want me to watch either. I can imagine that he may start freaking and yelling inappropriate things if they try and get in his underwear which will just make things worse.... Thoughts- strategies??? Oh and I'm not sure how I feel about the xray machines due to what I have heard about the skin getting the radiation... I have had a melanoma and we live in southern arizona so my kids have a higher risk of melanoma anyway.. Besides, I have heard that at airports that do not have the new xray machines, the only option is the"enhanced" pat down if they feel theneed...

We leave this Sunday and yes... I'm feeling somewhat concerned
DS is 22 and can appear nervous + flustered when he is confused. My biggest concern is that his behaviour maybe misinterpreted.
I have a doctors letter stating where we are going, for how long + autism/seizures etc. I also found this video to help him understand the new procedures. www.tsa.gov/approach/tech/ait/how_it_works.shtm
As long as we are not separated - I would turn into "mother bear" if that is suggested! If problems arise, I will be asking for a supervisor asp. Hopefully everything will go smoothly. I will post our experience when I get home.

 

[CPT Tripss]

Xrays can only tell that, yep, they said it is gel in the cushion and it sure does look like gel.
I don't think they were looking at the gel itself at all and an xray can't tell anything about what the gel is made of. I think they were concerned about whether there were any other things in the cushion that might look like triggers/bomb parts that could explode the gel if it was an explosive gel.
As DD's cushion had only gel and foam in it, there was nothing suspicious on xray. They could not tell that by feeling, but could tell that by xray.

I was afraid to use a sarcasm smilie or indicator because I've been given point for sarcasm in the past But I was just joking.

Now, in seriousness . . . do pads for 'chairs usually get xrayed even if there is no gel?

 

[LockShockBarrel]

I completely agree with you. There's hundreds if not thousands of people going through that aren't having any issues, but it's scary when it does happen. I agree that there needs to be some steadfast things put into place so this type of thing doesn't happen. While people need to remember these issues aren't the norm, I think everyone should be aware of what's been going on in case they run into it, and how to deal with it so it doesn't become the norm.

 

[SueM in MN]

I completely agree with you. There's hundreds if not thousands of people going through that aren't having any issues, but it's scary when it does happen. I agree that there needs to be some steadfast things put into place so this type of thing doesn't happen. While people need to remember these issues aren't the norm, I think everyone should be aware of what's been going on in case they run into it, and how to deal with it so it doesn't become the norm.

I completely agree with you.

It seems like the common element for all the bad things I have read/seen on the news is that the TSA screeners involved are forgetting that they are screening humans who are unsure what to do. The point of the patdowns after something shows up on the scanners is to resolve an item when they can't tell what it is. In most of the cases I've seen in the news, the TSA screeners have jumped right over that part into the "this must be someone trying to sneak something in" mindset. They need to realize that most of these "items to be resolved" are something that a passenger has forgotten or not thought would be a problem, not a national security incident.

I heard this morning that they apologized officially to the man with the ostomy, but have said they will not back off on what they are doing.
I understand the idea of safety, but what has happened to common sense?
If they were concerned that the man with the ostomy was trying to sneak a big bag of liquid in, why not let him go into a bathroom and empty the bag? Problem solved - no more liquid.