Travelers with Disabilities (continued from last month)
If you wear an exterior medical device and are uncomfortable with entering the metal detector or being handwanded, you may request a pat-down and visual inspection of your device instead. Security Officers should not ask you to remove your orthopedic shoes, appliances, or medical devices (insulin pump, feeding tube, ostomy or urine bag, or exterior component of cochlear implant) at any time during the screening.
Advise the Security Officer if you have an ostomy or urine bag. You will not be required to expose these devices for inspection. Walkers, crutches, canes, and other devices that can fit through the X-ray machine must undergo X-ray screening (with exception of white collapsible cane). Ask the Officer for assistance (arm, hand, shoulder to lean on) until you can reclaim your device. The Officer will perform a hand inspection of your equipment if it cannot fit through the X-ray machine. Notify the Officer if your device requires special handling. Walkers will be visually inspected as will any attached basket, pockets, or compartment. All items hanging from a cane or walker must be submitted for X-ray. Ask the Officer for assistance, if needed, when placing items on the belt. Ask for assistance with your device if needed. Collapse a cane whenever possible before it is put on the belt. Once a device has been screened, Security will hand it back to you in a way that will help you proceed without difficulty.
If you have a service animal, be sure to inform Security that it is a service animal, not a pet. This will move you to the front of the line as the Officer may need more time with you. It is recommended that anyone using a service animal carry appropriate identification. This may include: cards or documentation, presence of a harness or markings on the harness, or other credible assurance the animal is used for disability. [PVA NOTE: Failure to provide identification is not a valid reason for refusing to treat the animal as a service animal.] Advise Security how you and your dog can best achieve screening when going through the metal detector as a team (walking together or with the service dog walking in front or behind).You must assist with the inspection by controlling the animal while the Officer conducts the inspection. You are required to maintain control in a manner that ensures it cannot harm the Officer. At no time during the screening process are you required to be separated from the animal. Security Officers have been trained not to communicate, distract, interact, play, feed, or pet service animals.
The Officer should ask permission before touching your animal or its belongings. If the walk through metal detector alarms in the situation where you and your service dog have walked together, both you and the dog must undergo additional screening. If going through the metal detector sets off alarms on either you or your dog as you walk through separately, additional screening must be conducted on whoever set off the alarm. If your service dog sets off alarms during the walk through the metal detector, the Officer will ask your permission and assistance before touching your dog or its belongings.
The Officer will perform a physical inspection of your dog and its belongings (collar, harness, vest, etc.) These will not be removed from your dog at any time. If you need to leave the secure boarding area to relieve your animal, you must undergo the full screening process again. Inform Security on your return and they will move you to the front of the line to expedite the process. If you have additional concerns or questions, contact TSA's Contact Center. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/index.shtm or call (866) 289-9673
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