New TSA policy in Boston

[KPeveler]

The TSA just announced that there is a new level of screening in addition to tools already in place, where each passenger will be asked a few questions before going through screening. While the questions have not been released, they are supposedly logical ones (Where are you going? Did you check bags?)

As of now, this is going in place in Boston.

I can see where this can cause some problems for travelers with disabilities, especially communication disorders. More than one person quoted in the article i read emphasized eye contact as important and having clear answers to the easy questions. If you fail this portion, you are considered "high risk" and go for additional screening.

If anyone has more info about this, I would be happy to hear it. I would like to know where their security checkpoint stops and my protection of privacy begins. Are airports themselves under the ADA or ACAA? I know airlines are not ADA, but I am not sure about the airports. I generally refuse to discuss my disability with anyone and will only tell them what they need to know to accommodate me (can I walk or not, etc). Are they going to be allowed to ask me about why I need my wheelchair and other medical devices?

There is no info at this point how people with communication differences will be handled.

I would love to hear more input and info as it becomes available.

 

[crashbb]

You might try to see what rules El Al operates under for flights out of the US. They already employ (what sounds like) similar security procedures. Just a thought.

 

[Tony NY]

this in not a new policy but it is new to TSA. This has been used by another airline in other contury's which has been doing this for years.. I realy don't see this as much as a problem for people with disability's.

The TSA has it's own guidlines for people with disabilities I don't think it going to be any diffrent than when you walk with a cane and can't walk without it or if your in a whellechair.. they are still going to ask you what are you abilitys are I for one don't think they are going to brake and ADA laws.

 

[disney david]

you talking about this

http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/expedited_screening.shtm

it just a test so they will change things around if they need to they are just trying to make it better for you and try to cut down on complaint with the pat downs. And trying to speed it up for you so you can get through quicker.

If you are in ma or flying out of boston print these out and have them ready if it not good enough ask to speak to their supervisor before answering any more question. At any time you feel they are mistreating you just say you want to speak their supervisor so they know what needs to be worked on.

http://www.tsa.gov/assets/pdf/disability_notification_cards.pdf


here is some info if you have a hearing disabilities

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/editorial_1380.shtm

Just keep in mind this a test program so let them know how you feel about it so they can make changes to it. Not everything is perfect the first time their might be things they don't think of at first but will change them before they roll out to all airports.

 

[Tony NY]

you talking about this

http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/expedited_screening.shtm

it just a test so they will change things around if they need to they are just trying to make it better for you and try to cut down on complaint with the pat downs. And trying to speed it up for you so you can get through quicker.

If you are in ma or flying out of boston print these out and have them ready if it not good enough ask to speak to their supervisor before answering any more question. At any time you feel they are mistreating you just say you want to speak their supervisor so they know what needs to be worked on.

http://www.tsa.gov/assets/pdf/disability_notification_cards.pdf


here is some info if you have a hearing disabilities

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/editorial_1380.shtm

Just keep in mind this a test program so let them know how you feel about it so they can make changes to it. Not everything is perfect the first time their might be things they don't think of at first but will change them before they roll out to all airports.

tks disney david for the awesome info

 

[disney david]

Your welcome always like to help out when I can I also think you are right they will not go out and go against Ada policy. Just look at how much bad media they got with those three pat downs they don't need any reports of wrong doing with this new policy.

 

[KPeveler]

I was referring to this part of the program:

http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/ebdo.shtm

Each passenger will be engaged in conversation. I was not concerned about deaf people - after all, deaf people have to tell hearing people of their difference every day.

My concern was for people with social phobias, Autism Spectrum Disorders, PTSD, and other similar concerns. An adult with autism may not be comfortable speaking with a person in authority - or might be unable to speak entirely. Yes, the family of that person can say that the person cannot speak, but would this automatically prompt "additional screening?"

Also, what information is privileged? Are they allowed to ask about my medical condition? I can see how some people would think this would help them gauge if i have too many wires/medical devices etc. But I really do not want to discuss personal medical needs with people if I can avoid it. This seems to be an add-on, so this will not take place in a private place. Likely this will be done by the people or in the same place as where they check your boarding pass and ID.

I just would like more information, and this is something that people like me (social phobia/SAD, GAC, PTSD) have to plan for....

 

[crashbb]

My Googling skills (looking for anything about how El Al handles disabilities when working in the US) are failing me. I'm still looking.

 

[Mama Who]

Also, what information is privileged? Are they allowed to ask about my medical condition? I can see how some people would think this would help them gauge if i have too many wires/medical devices etc. But I really do not want to discuss personal medical needs with people if I can avoid it. This seems to be an add-on, so this will not take place in a private place. Likely this will be done by the people or in the same place as where they check your boarding pass and ID.

I just would like more information, and this is something that people like me (social phobia/SAD, GAC, PTSD) have to plan for....

I know that those who travel with a service animal can be asked what purpose the animal serves but not what the diagnosis is that necessitates it. Is it possible to answer questions about the equipment in that vein without upsetting you? Explain any non-obvious (I don't think anyone needs to be told the chair is for mobility) items if there are questions with minimal practical information. Maybe even go with simply a basic layman's term? "That's a breathing device. That's an anxiety reducer. That's a mobility aid."

As for the speaking, I can't think of a good way around it other than having another member of the party prepared to make eye contact, engage proactively and give a brief explanation (if necessary) about why you're withdrawn. On a personal experience level, I think that people seldom notice my husband's social phobia because I step forward and handle most interactions.

 

[SueM in MN]

My DH and I traveled to Europe this Spring and on our way back, we were asked a series of questions. There were only a couple and some included the questions that the airline people ask you when you check in at the counter with luggage.
I was asked similar questions when I flew from Amsterdam to Brussels and later flew from Brussels to Amsterdam and home in 2007.
The questions have been in use in Europe before my trip in 2007.

Here are what I remember:

1) Is this your luggage?
2) Did you pack it yourself?
3) Did anyone give you anything to put into your luggage?
4) Have you had your luggage with you all the time since you packed it?
5) Why are you at the airport today?
6) Where are you flying to?

And, when I was flying with DH:
7) Are you traveling together?
8) Are you both going to the same city?

The questions were asked by a man who was standing at a sort of podium before you get to the airline check in desk. He stood about 3 feet away from us and directed his questions to DH and I at the same time, so if one of us would not have been able to answer, the other could.

 

[KPeveler]

I have had people ask me (TSA employees even) "Why do you have the wheelchair if you can walk?" and other questions like this. I realize this is not terribly professional and had nothing to do with their jobs before, but I did not want to accidentally set off alarm bells because I refuse to go into details.

I mostly wanted people to be aware, since there are many situations where a person may have difficulty speaking with a stranger, and now that I know I may encounter this, I feel more comfortable. When I encounter a strange situation where something unanticipated happens, I tend to freak out and freeze up. I also travel alone frequently. I figured a heads up could not hurt.

I don't mind saying "That is a medical device for pain relief" - had to do this for my TENS unit more than once (I can understand why wires and electrodes make them nervous). I just did not know if these would be the kinds of questions that would make me want to request a private screening or not. The generic "Where are you going? How many bags do you have?" is fine - I just did NOT want to get into a discussion of what a catheter is with an audience there!

 

[disney david]

I have had people ask me (TSA employees even) "Why do you have the wheelchair if you can walk?" and other questions like this. I realize this is not terribly professional and had nothing to do with their jobs before, but I did not want to accidentally set off alarm bells because I refuse to go into details.

I mostly wanted people to be aware, since there are many situations where a person may have difficulty speaking with a stranger, and now that I know I may encounter this, I feel more comfortable. When I encounter a strange situation where something unanticipated happens, I tend to freak out and freeze up. I also travel alone frequently. I figured a heads up could not hurt.

I don't mind saying "That is a medical device for pain relief" - had to do this for my TENS unit more than once (I can understand why wires and electrodes make them nervous). I just did not know if these would be the kinds of questions that would make me want to request a private screening or not. The generic "Where are you going? How many bags do you have?" is fine - I just did NOT want to get into a discussion of what a catheter is with an audience there!

The next time a TSA agent asks you that question replay may I see your supervisor and ask for the director of TSA for that airport number and name.

Also remember they have name tags or if they don't they have to tell you their name so bring a pen and paper don't be scared to write down their name they can't stop you.

 

[clanmcculloch]

I guess I'm confused. How is this different than the current conversations with the TSA agents who've already been questioning us as they check out boarding passes and IDs? These seem like conversations we already have. I've been having to prep DD13 for this kind of thing for a long time and I've also had to appologize and explain her autism on several occasions when she won't communicate with the TSA agent.

 

[goofy4tink]

This really shouldn't be a huge deal. The agents asking these questions are not the 'regular' TSA people..they are TSA folks trained specifically in this field. They know what they are looking for. So, they will ask you questions like...'So, what did you do in Boston?' or 'What are you going to do when you get to Orlando?'....that kind of thing. I'm sure they know what to do if they are confronted with someone who has any type of social issue. To the best of my knowledge, all the reports said they would be asking these questions of adults only...so it shouldn't impact youngsters.

 

[disney david]

This really shouldn't be a huge deal. The agents asking these questions are not the 'regular' TSA people..they are TSA folks trained specifically in this field. They know what they are looking for. So, they will ask you questions like...'So, what did you do in Boston?' or 'What are you going to do when you get to Orlando?'....that kind of thing. I'm sure they know what to do if they are confronted with someone who has any type of social issue. To the best of my knowledge, all the reports said they would be asking these questions of adults only...so it shouldn't impact youngsters.

Yes your right they also came out with a new test program for kids 12 and under to cut down on pat downs giving them more options to Resolving alarms. The only problem with that is it be up to the agent to decide if your kid look 12 to have them go through the new program.


http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/screening_under12.shtm

 

[CPT Tripss]

I was referring to this part of the program:

http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/ebdo.shtm

Each passenger will be engaged in conversation. I was not concerned about deaf people - after all, deaf people have to tell hearing people of their difference every day.

My concern was for people with social phobias, Autism Spectrum Disorders, PTSD, and other similar concerns. An adult with autism may not be comfortable speaking with a person in authority - or might be unable to speak entirely. Yes, the family of that person can say that the person cannot speak, but would this automatically prompt "additional screening?"

Also, what information is privileged? Are they allowed to ask about my medical condition? I can see how some people would think this would help them gauge if i have too many wires/medical devices etc. But I really do not want to discuss personal medical needs with people if I can avoid it. This seems to be an add-on, so this will not take place in a private place. Likely this will be done by the people or in the same place as where they check your boarding pass and ID.

I just would like more information, and this is something that people like me (social phobia/SAD, GAC, PTSD) have to plan for....

The next time a TSA agent asks you that question replay may I see your supervisor and ask for the director of TSA for that airport number and name.

Also remember they have name tags or if they don't they have to tell you their name so bring a pen and paper don't be scared to write down their name they can't stop you.

There is no reason to engage in conversation with any Airport Security Screener. The SPOT (Screening Passengers by Observation Techniques) program is about as scientific as Phrenology.

 

[kathie859]

This reminds me of a time (over 40 years ago) when crossing the border from Canada back into the USA, the border agent asked DH where he was born and DH BLANKED OUT!!!! (later he claimed he didn't expect that question and was momentarily flummoxed). Anyhow, we got a few more questions and was allowed to proceed (without a cavity search). I've never let DH live it down. What are wives for if not to keep our men humble

 

[stink]

Hi All,

I am a little concerned with TSA & and my mom. We will be flying in November. She is 80 years old, has dementia, is easily confused. Her short term memory is very bad. Eg she may not recall where she is travelling to other than she is going on vacation with her family. Outwardly one would never guess she has such a diagnosis and she appears younger looking than her age. People think she is in her 60s.

I did print the medical cards and plan to note her diagnosis of dementia, short term memory loss and easily confused.

Does anyone have exp. travelling with eldely with dementia diagnosis and TSA ?

 

[disney david]

Hi All,

I am a little concerned with TSA & and my mom. We will be flying in November. She is 80 years old, has dementia, is easily confused. Her short term memory is very bad. Eg she may not recall where she is travelling to other than she is going on vacation with her family. Outwardly one would never guess she has such a diagnosis and she appears younger looking than her age. People think she is in her 60s.

I did print the medical cards and plan to note her diagnosis of dementia, short term memory loss and easily confused.

Does anyone have exp. travelling with eldely with dementia diagnosis and TSA ?

Just to let you know to help make it a little better no matter how many new policy they have they still have to comply with their disabilities policy. The TSA agent who will ask question are trained to do that so their not going to give you a hard time or her. Bring the card is a good idea because you could show the card and they would properly direct the questions to you. Or atleast be able to help you through the screening process better. In this case i would show it to the agent checking your id because they might be able to tell direct you better then if the other agent ask you can show them. Just rember they can not seprate you and her through out the process so you always be with her even if she has to be searched you can be with her but not touching her. The TSA just trying to come up with something to get a better result then the
pat downs have which gave them a black eye. Well I hope you all have a very safe a very fun trip and let us know how it went if you want.

 

[WheelieBigDisFan]

Katy,
When I travel I take the stance that I can't stand or walk even for the shortest of distances. TSA and airline personnel don't tend to understand that if you can stand, you might not be able to walk (I lock my knees out), and if you can take 2 steps you should be able to walk long distances. When I go through airport security I can't go through the metal detector b/c of my SCS (Spinal Cord Stimulator) and although they are no longer in use, I can't have a hand wand metal detector used either b/c they contain magnets which might have negative effects on my SCS. I am unwilling to go through WBI machines, but don't think I could "assume the position" long enough to do it either. B/C of this I always get the "pat down" (feel up) that TSA does. When they ask if I can stand, the answer is NO! I remain in my chair the whole time. When they get to needing to feel my bum I do a small pressure relief or lean forward (I would do the lean now as pressure relief is not possible with my broken hand, as noted with my weird excitement to get off my **** when we were on the Jungle Cruise and could use my elbow to do the shift!). They swab my backrest, seat cushion, shoes (I don't take them off for TSA), AFO, etc for traces of explosives, and I am on my way rather quickly. If I had to take off my shoes, my AFO, etc. and put them back on it would take me forever and a day.
If TSA asked me questions directly about my disability that they would not ask to an AB person, I would request their name and a supervisor/director of TSA for that airport. This is definitely not protocol and is a breach of privacy IMO. If they asked me what my caths were, I would say a medical device and nothing more. If they read the packaging it clearly says "urinary catheter" so anyone with a HS education can figure it out. If they don't know what urine or a catheter is, then me explaining it won't do any good anyways! The package also says that they are restricted to sale with the order of a physician, so you can't just go to your local CVS and pick them up OTC.
I would expect questions along the lines of those listed above (where are you traveling, have you been with your bags all day, has anyone you don't know/is not traveling with you asked you to hold items for them or put them in your bags, etc).
I will be interested in seeing how this trial goes in Boston.
Mandy