How to respond to the TSA?
Oct 12, 2010, 1:07 pm
#2
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File a complaint anyway. Get this on paper and in the record. I'm hoping you got names, ID numbers, etc.
I'd even wonder if you have a valid ADA complaint.
I'm so sorry you had to experience this. I'd have been screaming bloody murder.
I'd even wonder if you have a valid ADA complaint.
I'm so sorry you had to experience this. I'd have been screaming bloody murder.
Oct 12, 2010, 1:11 pm
#3
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Welcome to FlyerTalk! 
Unless that screening clerk was completing their medical residency at the airport, they have no qualifications to make any such statement.
Randy Parsons is the Federal Security Director for PHX to file a complaint with, although I can't put my fingers on his contact info.
Randy Parsons is the Federal Security Director for PHX to file a complaint with, although I can't put my fingers on his contact info.
Last edited by N965VJ; Oct 12, 2010 at 1:26 pm
Oct 12, 2010, 1:38 pm
#7
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I hope others can say what area of law specialization would cover this situation but most large metropolitan areas have lawyer referral services.
I would think any lawyer could advise you on next steps.
Oct 12, 2010, 1:40 pm
#8
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ADA is questionable, but worth a shot, anything at this point is needed to get TSA attention and knock them down a few thousand pegs. not to mention a complaint with the state medical board for practicing medicine without a license, and malfeasance.
Oct 12, 2010, 2:16 pm
#9
Join Date: Jul 2007
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Obviously there's a need for education here. TSA officers are supposed to be well-trained and familiar with screening requirements that may come with certain medical conditions. What's most important is that you let the screeners know what medical condition you have.
The TSA has screening procedures to make sure that everything and everyone is screened properly. For example, I have an ICD and can't go through the metal detectors, but I notify the TSA officers, and they pat me down. I also was in Barbados once and had a migraine. Mine are really horrible. When they asked me to remove my sunglasses, I almost started crying as the airport is bright. The TSA said OK before I even had my glasses all the way off. They just needed to see my eyes.
It wouldn't hurt for you to have a doctor's note verifying your medical condition and how they need to handle it. I would call the agency at 866-289-9673 and let them know what happened.
The TSA has screening procedures to make sure that everything and everyone is screened properly. For example, I have an ICD and can't go through the metal detectors, but I notify the TSA officers, and they pat me down. I also was in Barbados once and had a migraine. Mine are really horrible. When they asked me to remove my sunglasses, I almost started crying as the airport is bright. The TSA said OK before I even had my glasses all the way off. They just needed to see my eyes.
It wouldn't hurt for you to have a doctor's note verifying your medical condition and how they need to handle it. I would call the agency at 866-289-9673 and let them know what happened.
Oct 12, 2010, 2:28 pm
#11
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I would immediately contact an attorney and also, myself, ask for the tape of your screening.
If the tape has no audio, as I presume it does not, I'd find a lip reader who might be able to interpret the tape for you and your attorney.
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Actually, I'm going to revise that. I would advise filing an assault complaint with the Phoenix PD and doing it immediately, even if you are in Portland right now. Demand the tape of your screening when you file that complaint.
If the tape has no audio, as I presume it does not, I'd find a lip reader who might be able to interpret the tape for you and your attorney.
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Actually, I'm going to revise that. I would advise filing an assault complaint with the Phoenix PD and doing it immediately, even if you are in Portland right now. Demand the tape of your screening when you file that complaint.
Oct 12, 2010, 2:51 pm
#12
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Oct 12, 2010, 3:52 pm
#13
Join Date: Mar 2008
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I agree that the ACLU is a starting point. This is a situation where there are medical issues, and potentially profiling or racial discrimination issues. It might take a collaboration by a couple of different law specialists, rather than just one attorney.
Oct 12, 2010, 4:34 pm
#14
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What a load of bull. I would file a complaint and mention that you are also looking into an ADA complaint as well even if you have no intentions of doing so. I don't know of any organization that doesn't take that threat seriously. Then again we are talking about the TSA....
Oct 12, 2010, 4:41 pm
#15
Join Date: Mar 2008
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Likewise, you might say "I have an ICD" but I seriously doubt you'd be compliant if you were asked to provide documentation of having an ICD, or why you need an ICD, or even if you felt you needed to explain the condition that lead to using an ICD to the "officer." Yes, doctors letters are helpful in making them shut up and let you fly, but they're a further invasion into your privacy, not to mention your time, and so long as they're not absolutely required in the country I'm traveling to, I'm not ponying up.
They are not doctors or medical professionals. It's none of their business, and I make it my business to disclose the minimum amount possible to make them shut up.
They are not doctors or medical professionals. It's none of their business, and I make it my business to disclose the minimum amount possible to make them shut up.
