Jasper32

Does anyone have any recent experience with TSA Cares, positive or negative? I am an experienced flyer and used to going through TSA Precheck with my service dog with no issues. Recently, I had to get a feeding tube and will be flying with the pump and formula for the first time. I have heard a fair number of horror stories about going through TSA with a feeding tube, so I was wondering if TSA Cares would prevent me from running into a problem with an inexperienced agent.

Dianne47

This is an old thread, but has no replies so I will chime in. My husband has a mobility and balance assistance dog. We've used the TSA Cares program several times over the last three years, since we picked up the dog from the trainer in Alabama. I'm a big fan of the program, as it takes a lot of anxiety out of the security screening process AND allows us to not disrupt the pre-check line. It takes my husband longer to go through, and pre-check people are notoriously testy and irritable with anyone who even slightly holds up the line.

For example, a couple of weeks ago I was traveling alone and had a guy two people behind me in the BUR airport yell at me because I didn't push my items into the x-ray machine fast enough to suit him. I'm a petite 75-year old woman and I let him know what I thought of his remark. I was waiting because there was a clog of people in the metal detector and just beyond. I wanted to make sure my items didn't land on the other end way before I did. But, I digress.

The TSA Cares program is a godsend for people with disabilities, a service or guide dog, special medical equipment or issues like an insulin pump or colostomy. My daughter uses it for her family due to her daughter only being able to drink through a feeding tube and she eats pureed foods, which are frozen when going through security. To utilize the program you phone the toll-free TSA Cares line 72 hours before your flight. The agent asks a few questions, to determine what type of assistance you need.You agree upon the time you will be at security, so they can make sure the specially trained agent or supervisor is available.

On the day of travel you inform the first TSA agent you encounter that you have arranged for a TSA Cares person to assist you. They will have you step aside and radio for the TSA Cares agent. From there the specially trained agent (PSS, Passenger Support Specialist) or a supervisor personally escorts you through the security process. We have encountered two scenarios. Sometimes, if you have pre-check, the agent just takes you through the pre-check line and runs interference with anyone who starts complaining. Other times the agent opens a separate metal detector and x-ray machine just for you. The process is quick with a service or guide dog. It takes more time with special equipment or when you have medically-necessary liquids in your carryon, as they are examined and sometimes tested.

TSA Cares is a great help to people with special needs and/or equipment. I highly recommend the program.

DeafFlyer

I’m glad you bumped this thread. I had never heard of this program before. Something for me to check out for my next trip.

Dianne47

Hello DeafFlyer, I've read many of your posts before and know you're an "old timer" here on FT. I do recommend the TSA Cares program to you, without any hesitation. I can only imagine the frustration and difficulties a deaf passenger faces. I hope your future trips are easier. It's possible that there are PSS agents in some locations who can sign. That would be a big bonus for you.

mymsman

I hadn't heard of the programme either,

To save the need for others to Google the answer the link is https://www.tsa.gov/travel/passenger-support

DeafFlyer

Thanks! I was looking for that and was only finding te form to fill out to request service.