After the TSA received serious negative publicity at the end of last year they have finally announced some positive changed for seniors flying. Seniors definitely deserve more respect at these airport security checkpoints than they have received before.
The changes follow a controversy in November, when two women in their 80s complained that they were essentially strip-searched at New York’s John F. Kennedy airport. One had to remove a back brace to undergo an X-ray scan and the other lowered her sweat pants, so security officials could examine her colostomy bag. As you know, anyone with ostomy supplies has an uncomfortable screening process at airports regardless of their age already.
Security Screening by the TSA on seniors getting easier
TSA officials have denied asking anyone to remove their clothes. Betsy Markey, an assistant secretary at the TSA, apologized in a January letter that said security officers would receive refresher training on how to respectfully screen passengers with disabilities or medical conditions.
“TSA sincerely regrets any discomfort or inconveniences the passengers at JFK experienced,” she wrote. The TSA also made a public statement, “we don’t get it right every time” while screening about 1.8 million people a day. The agency created a hotline in December called TSA Cares for the elderly or people with medical conditions to help plan for screening “while respecting their privacy.”
Do you think the TSA has done enough to cover up their mistake and should more be done? Our next post will give you 10 tips on making flying easier for seniors with medical conditions.
This blog was provided by Jason Monroe. Thanks to JRS Medical for continuing to provide top level customer service to its seniors.