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Dear Members of Tsa's Disability Coalition:<br><br>
Please feel free to share the following information with your members and
constituents.<br><br>
Thank you.<br><br>
TSA's Disability Branch<br><br>
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<b>TSA Shares Tips to Streamline Summer Travel<br>
</b><br>
Contact:<br>
TSA Public Affairs<br>
571-227-2829<br><br>
<b>WASHINGTON</b> – As more than
<a href="http://www.airlines.org/Pages/news_5-9-2012.aspx">200
million</a>
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passengers begin their summer travel, the Transportation Security
Administration (TSA) reminds travelers of recent modifications to airport
screening procedures and provides tips for travel preparations.
<br><br>
As part of TSA’s
<a href="http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/rbs.shtm">risk-based security</a>
approach, the agency has implemented changes in screening protocols that
strengthen aviation security by better focusing its resources and, at the
same time, improving the travel experience for lower risk passengers.
Summer travelers may be able to take advantage of these modifications at
airports across the country.<br><br>
The changes include the implementation last fall of modified screening
procedures for passengers 12 and younger. Passengers 12 and younger can
now leave their shoes on during security screening. These new screening
procedures also include permitting an additional pass through advanced
imaging technology to clear any alarms, as well as greater use of
explosives trace detection.<br><br>
Additionally, TSA recently concluded a modified screening pilot program
for passengers aged 75 and older. As the program proceeds toward full
implementation, passengers 75 and older will undergo similar modified
screening procedures to those 12 and under and will be able to leave on a
light jacket or outerwear when passing through security. Passengers 75
and older may see these procedures in place as they travel this
summer.<br><br>
TSA anticipates these changes will further reduce – though not eliminate
– the need for a physical pat-down for these passengers. However, the
agency reminds travelers that they may be required to remove their shoes
or undergo a pat-down if anomalies are detected during security screening
that cannot be resolved through other means.<br><br>
Last fall, the agency also launched
<a href="http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/escreening.shtm">TSA Preâś“</a>™.
To date, TSA Preâś“™ has provided expedited screening to more than one
million passengers and is currently available at 15 airports, with plans
to expand to more airports and airlines throughout 2012.
<br><br>
As the busy summer travel season gets underway, TSA reminds passengers to
prepare for the security check-in process before arriving at the airport.
Passengers can find travel tips and a list of allowed and prohibited
items on <a href="http://www.tsa.gov/">www.tsa.gov</a>. Passengers with
smartphones are also encouraged to visit
<a href="http://apps.tsa.dhs.gov/mytsa/">TSA’s mobile site</a> or
<a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/my-tsa/id380200364?mt=8">
download</a>
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the “MyTSA” app. Passengers can access helpful information about TSA
policies and procedures including the “Can I Bring” feature that
allows passengers to type the name of any item to see if it is allowed to
be carried through the checkpoint. <br><br>
As an added convenience, the
<a href="http://www.tsa.gov/contact/index.shtm">TSA Contact Center</a>
(TCC) recently extended its hours, and representatives are now available
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 11 p.m. Eastern time, and nd weekends and
federal holidays, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Eastern time. Passengers can contact
the TCC with questions about TSA procedures, upcoming travel or to
provide feedback or voice concerns. The TCC can be reached at
866-289-9673.<br><br>
Travelers and families of passengers with disabilities or medical
conditions may call the
<a href="http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/disabilityandmedicalneeds/tsa_cares.shtm">
TSA Cares</a> helpline toll free at 855-787-2227, 72 hours prior to
traveling with any questions about screening policies, procedures and
what to expect at the security checkpoint. A TSA Cares helpline
representative is available during all TSA Contact Center hours.<br><br>
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