TSA Security Measures for Persons w/ Disabilities
With today’s heightened security measures to protect our international and domestic air travel, United Spinal Association, a national membership organization for people with spinal cord disabilities, clarifies regulations at airport checkpoints for people who use wheelchairs and have medical conditions.
“While we understand that security measures have to be taken to ensure the safety of all air travelers, we also want to ensure the rights of people with disabilities,” said Kleo King, United Spinal Association’s associate executive director, Accessibility Services.
According to the Office of Screening of Persons with Disabilities at the Transportation Security Administration, people with disabilities and medical conditions should know:
- Shoes DO NOT have to be removed during this heightened security level nor has this been the case during routine travel times. Transportation Security Officers are trained to allow all persons with disabilities to keep their shoes on.
- Those who keep their shoes on will be subjected to additional screening that includes a visual/physical and explosive trace detection sampling of their footwear.
- The TSA, who had previously banned all liquid medications, now will allow up to 4 ounces of liquid nonprescription medicine, including KY Jelly for medical purposes.
- Gel wheelchair cushions ARE allowed.
For more information on hassle-free travel for individuals with disabilities, United Spinal has produced a pamphlet, Accessible Air Travel: A Guide For People With Disabilities, which can be obtained by calling the Association’s publications request line at 1-800-444-0120, or can be downloaded online at www.unitedspinal.org.
Celebrating 60 years of service, United Spinal Association has been a leading organization in advocating for accessible transportation nationwide through its work on the transportation provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. United Spinal was also instrumental in drafting portions of the Air Carrier Access Act, and promotes compliance with these laws and educates the public and the travel industry about them through publications and workshops held across the United States. The Association also offers new travel service for members of United Spinal called ABLE to Travel. Membership in the Association is free and open to all people with spinal cord disabilities.