New TSA PreCheck Rule for Disabled Passengers
Nov 24, 2017, 7:47 am
#16
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Many recent reports of wheelchair passengers being forced to stand while the chair is taken away for separate screening.
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29094691-post18.html
One woman reported that her mother who has only 1 leg had to stand for 10 minutes while the chair was taken away. All wheelchair passengers need to be screened the way PreCheck wheelchair passengers are screened, minus the grope. No one should ever be forced to stand holding on to something; that's abuse of the handicapped.
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29094691-post18.html
One woman reported that her mother who has only 1 leg had to stand for 10 minutes while the chair was taken away. All wheelchair passengers need to be screened the way PreCheck wheelchair passengers are screened, minus the grope. No one should ever be forced to stand holding on to something; that's abuse of the handicapped.
Nov 24, 2017, 10:28 pm
#17
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I think it's pretty clear that whoever dreamed this up at TSA is someone who has zero respect for our wounded and maimed military veterans, let alone disabled civilians.
Sad that the rougly 20% of the TSA work force that are vets, presumably more acquainted with wounded and handicapped than the general population, are so willing to display such contempt for those former and current comrades who have paid such a high price to defend our freedoms. What kind of able-bodied vet can stand there in a TSA uniform and harass wounded and disabled vets and enjoy it?
Sad that the rougly 20% of the TSA work force that are vets, presumably more acquainted with wounded and handicapped than the general population, are so willing to display such contempt for those former and current comrades who have paid such a high price to defend our freedoms. What kind of able-bodied vet can stand there in a TSA uniform and harass wounded and disabled vets and enjoy it?
Nov 27, 2017, 8:06 am
#18
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I think it's pretty clear that whoever dreamed this up at TSA is someone who has zero respect for our wounded and maimed military veterans, let alone disabled civilians.
Sad that the rougly 20% of the TSA work force that are vets, presumably more acquainted with wounded and handicapped than the general population, are so willing to display such contempt for those former and current comrades who have paid such a high price to defend our freedoms. What kind of able-bodied vet can stand there in a TSA uniform and harass wounded and disabled vets and enjoy it?
Sad that the rougly 20% of the TSA work force that are vets, presumably more acquainted with wounded and handicapped than the general population, are so willing to display such contempt for those former and current comrades who have paid such a high price to defend our freedoms. What kind of able-bodied vet can stand there in a TSA uniform and harass wounded and disabled vets and enjoy it?
Nov 28, 2017, 10:24 am
#19
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: California
Posts: 50
Do tell, point us to a confirmed story of this happening.
Nov 28, 2017, 2:57 pm
#20
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For starters, they harass their own. <deleted by moderator>.
Last edited by TWA884; Nov 29, 2017 at 9:00 am Reason: FT Rule 12.1
Dec 12, 2017, 11:33 am
#21
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: DEN
Posts: 1,962
TSA Precheck + wheelchair user
I was getting ready to write up what my experience has been with TSA Pre-Check as a wheelchair user, and then I went through Pre-Check at PHX today.
The background is: SOP for wheelchair passengers who have Pre-Check is supposed to be no pat down, just a swab of the hands and the wheelchair for explosives residue.
In practice (in my experience) it's about 50-50 if I get a pat down, but those odds were good enough for me to plunk down $100 for Global Entry.
Today at PHX I was bitten by TSA's new "enhanced screening", the enhanced screening, which, according to TSA's website, was not supposed to affect Pre-Check passengers. An unadvertised change for wheelchair users is, you guessed it, a pat down every time.
Can I get my money back?
(And before everyone piles on me, yes, I know, there are no guarantees with TSA.)
The background is: SOP for wheelchair passengers who have Pre-Check is supposed to be no pat down, just a swab of the hands and the wheelchair for explosives residue.
In practice (in my experience) it's about 50-50 if I get a pat down, but those odds were good enough for me to plunk down $100 for Global Entry.
Today at PHX I was bitten by TSA's new "enhanced screening", the enhanced screening, which, according to TSA's website, was not supposed to affect Pre-Check passengers. An unadvertised change for wheelchair users is, you guessed it, a pat down every time.
Can I get my money back?
(And before everyone piles on me, yes, I know, there are no guarantees with TSA.)
Last edited by Katja; Dec 12, 2017 at 11:40 am
Dec 12, 2017, 12:49 pm
#22
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I was getting ready to write up what my experience has been with TSA Pre-Check as a wheelchair user, and then I went through Pre-Check at PHX today.
The background is: SOP for wheelchair passengers who have Pre-Check is supposed to be no pat down, just a swab of the hands and the wheelchair for explosives residue.
In practice (in my experience) it's about 50-50 if I get a pat down, but those odds were good enough for me to plunk down $100 for Global Entry.
Today at PHX I was bitten by TSA's new "enhanced screening", the enhanced screening, which, according to TSA's website, was not supposed to affect Pre-Check passengers. An unadvertised change for wheelchair users is, you guessed it, a pat down every time.
Can I get my money back?
(And before everyone piles on me, yes, I know, there are no guarantees with TSA.)
The background is: SOP for wheelchair passengers who have Pre-Check is supposed to be no pat down, just a swab of the hands and the wheelchair for explosives residue.
In practice (in my experience) it's about 50-50 if I get a pat down, but those odds were good enough for me to plunk down $100 for Global Entry.
Today at PHX I was bitten by TSA's new "enhanced screening", the enhanced screening, which, according to TSA's website, was not supposed to affect Pre-Check passengers. An unadvertised change for wheelchair users is, you guessed it, a pat down every time.
Can I get my money back?
(And before everyone piles on me, yes, I know, there are no guarantees with TSA.)
Yes, she was told the same thing you were when she signed up for PreCheck.
Dec 13, 2017, 7:14 am
#23
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Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,526
No, you can't get your money back but perhaps a class action suit against TSA for reneging on their promise of an easier experience for chair-bound passengers at Pre might be in order.
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<deleted circular link after threads were merged>
Last edited by TWA884; Dec 13, 2017 at 9:15 am Reason: Delete circular link post thread merger
Dec 14, 2017, 10:05 am
#24
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: DEN
Posts: 1,962
"Refuse" is an interesting word to use in this context (I cannot stand or walk, so I'm not "refusing"). I'm seriously tempted to get down on the floor and drag myself through the metal detector next time.
Dec 14, 2017, 10:22 am
#25
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Any reluctance to comply with an illegal or stupid TSA order is a 'refusal'. I can't count the times I have patiently explained why physically I am unable to assume and hold the position in the NoS, only to be told that it was my 'choice' to face a punitive genital rub and prolonged bag rifling and swab because of my 'refusal' to use the NoS.
I think it's half training, half delight in bullying. Screeners are trained to believe that all physical limitations are fake, designed to somehow evade the system - or they are fake, just a display of rebellion by pax with attitude. Either merits punitive retaliatory action.
It's like 'sensitive areas'. Screeners are trained that bad guys declare 'sensitive areas' to conceal contraband, so anyone declaring a 'sensitive area' is automatically subjecting that area to greater manhandling and scrutiny. Screeners have to grind on the sensitive area until you flinch to ensure that it really is a 'sensitive' area and not concealed contraband.
Dec 14, 2017, 10:32 am
#26
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: DEN
Posts: 1,962
Sigh. I tried submitting a complaint:
I see that this is all over Twitter, and TSA just replies with:
<sarcasm>Equality! It's wonderful</sarcasm>
The screener who patted me down referenced an incident where "a 96 year old man had a gun hidden in his wheelchair". I'm guessing she was referring to this: http://www.thedailytimes.com/news/ma...21c28e37a.html, although this guy clearly isn't 96 (not that it matters).
I see that this is all over Twitter, and TSA just replies with:
1: Thanks for asking Amy. We understand your concerns. TSA adjusts processes and procedures to meet the evolving threat and achieve the highest levels of transportation security. Because of this, you may notice changes in our procedures from time to time.
2: The changes you’re asking about went into effect earlier this month. Here’s what changed: if a TSA Pre✓® passenger who uses a mobility device (i.e.: wheelchairs, braces, crutches) is not able to stand and walk through the metal detector…
3: or advanced imaging technology, that individual will now receive the same screening as any other TSA Pre✓® passenger who opts out of screening by technology. For you, this means that you should expect to receive a pat down and an inspection of your wheelchair…
4: when you travel with TSA Pre✓®. We understand that this may slow you down at the security checkpoint, but the procedural change is an important step to strengthening our overall security posture, including in TSA Pre✓® lanes. Pls visit: tsa.gov Frequently Asked Questions
2: The changes you’re asking about went into effect earlier this month. Here’s what changed: if a TSA Pre✓® passenger who uses a mobility device (i.e.: wheelchairs, braces, crutches) is not able to stand and walk through the metal detector…
3: or advanced imaging technology, that individual will now receive the same screening as any other TSA Pre✓® passenger who opts out of screening by technology. For you, this means that you should expect to receive a pat down and an inspection of your wheelchair…
4: when you travel with TSA Pre✓®. We understand that this may slow you down at the security checkpoint, but the procedural change is an important step to strengthening our overall security posture, including in TSA Pre✓® lanes. Pls visit: tsa.gov Frequently Asked Questions
The screener who patted me down referenced an incident where "a 96 year old man had a gun hidden in his wheelchair". I'm guessing she was referring to this: http://www.thedailytimes.com/news/ma...21c28e37a.html, although this guy clearly isn't 96 (not that it matters).
Last edited by Katja; Dec 14, 2017 at 10:47 am
Dec 14, 2017, 10:51 am
#27
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Gotta love that bit about rebellious pax who 'opt' out of standing and walking through 'screening by technology'.
It's interesting (but not surprising) that TSA has never tried to accommodate wheelchair employees. Someone in a wheelchair is perfectly capable of performing TDC and xray screening functions, and perhaps they'd add a little insight to the workforce understanding.
Then again, we're talking a work force who still don't get it that when a pax doesn't move a paralyzed limb no matter how loud you bark, it really isn't an act of rebellion deserving of harsh punishment.
Or they fully get it and delight in the opportunity to be obnoxious and bullying.
Next change to 'enhanced' screening: pax with ostomy bags will be required to 'open' the bag for vapor testing, because you can never be too sure - or too invasive.
It's interesting (but not surprising) that TSA has never tried to accommodate wheelchair employees. Someone in a wheelchair is perfectly capable of performing TDC and xray screening functions, and perhaps they'd add a little insight to the workforce understanding.
Then again, we're talking a work force who still don't get it that when a pax doesn't move a paralyzed limb no matter how loud you bark, it really isn't an act of rebellion deserving of harsh punishment.
Or they fully get it and delight in the opportunity to be obnoxious and bullying.
Next change to 'enhanced' screening: pax with ostomy bags will be required to 'open' the bag for vapor testing, because you can never be too sure - or too invasive.
Dec 14, 2017, 11:57 am
#28
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Yes, Amy Van Dyken, paralyzed wheelchair bound former Olympic swimmer was advised by TSA that this is the new procedure: if you refuse to stand up and walk through the WTMD, full body grope is now mandatory - even in PreCheck.
Yes, she was told the same thing you were when she signed up for PreCheck.
Yes, she was told the same thing you were when she signed up for PreCheck.
Dec 14, 2017, 12:57 pm
#30
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Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,526
Sigh. I tried submitting a complaint:
I see that this is all over Twitter, and TSA just replies with:
<sarcasm>Equality! It's wonderful</sarcasm>
The screener who patted me down referenced an incident where "a 96 year old man had a gun hidden in his wheelchair". I'm guessing she was referring to this: Man arrested at airport after gun found in wheelchair | News | thedailytimes.com, although this guy clearly isn't 96 (not that it matters).
I see that this is all over Twitter, and TSA just replies with:
<sarcasm>Equality! It's wonderful</sarcasm>
The screener who patted me down referenced an incident where "a 96 year old man had a gun hidden in his wheelchair". I'm guessing she was referring to this: Man arrested at airport after gun found in wheelchair | News | thedailytimes.com, although this guy clearly isn't 96 (not that it matters).
I know another member has got the same message and was able to figure out the reason why. Hopefully, that person will read this and be able to advise you. In the meantime, try this for filing a complaint: https://hotline.oig.dhs.gov/hotline/hotline.phpThe reason given for sexually assaulting people in chairs is totally ridiculous because the gun was found in the chair not on the person - and would have been found when the chair was checked. I would guess that someone got something through on his/her person during the recent testing period and now passengers are paying the price.