Q: What are the TSA Airport Security procedures for wheelchair users and travelers with disabilities?
Passengers need not get out of their wheelchair when passing through a TSA security checkpoint. If you pass through security in a wheelchair and cannot walk through the metal detector, you will receive screening by way of a pat-down. The following are a list of tips from the TSA regarding the pat-down procedure:
- The patdown should be conducted by an officer of the same gender. Sometimes, passengers must wait for an officer of the same gender to become available.
- The passenger can request a private screening at any time and a private screening should be offered when the officer must pat down sensitive areas. During a private screening, another officer will also be present and the passenger may be accompanied by a companion of his or her choosing.
- A passenger should inform an officer before the patdown begins of any difficulty raising his or her arms, remaining in the position required for a pat-down, or any areas of the body that are painful when touched.
- A passenger should not be asked to remove or lift any article of clothing to reveal a sensitive body area.
- In addition to the patdown, [...]