TSA Provides Helpline for Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Conditions

By Editor, on October 4th, 2012

TSA Provides Assistance for Travelers with Disabilities (Image courtesy of TSA website) A new update on the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website announces and provides information about a new Helpline called “TSA Cares” that will be provided by the TSA to assist travelers with disabilities and medical conditions.

According to the TSA website, “TSA Cares will serve as an additional, dedicated resource specifically for passengers with disabilities, medical conditions or other circumstances or their loved ones who want to prepare for the screening process prior to flying.”

“Travelers may call TSA Cares toll free at 1-855-787-2227 prior to traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint.”

The hours of operation for the TSA Cares helpline are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 11 p.m. EST and weekends and Holidays 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. EST. TSA recommends that passengers call 72 hours ahead of travel to for information about what to expect during screening.

Travelers who are deaf or hard of hearing can use a relay service to contact TSA Cares or can e-mail TSA-ContactCenter@dhs.gov.

“When a passenger with a disability or medical condition calls TSA Cares, a representative will provide assistance, either with information about screening that is relevant to the passenger’s specific disability or medical condition, or the passenger may be referred to disability experts at TSA,” the agency says.

“TSA recommends that passengers call approximately 72 hours ahead of travel so that TSA Cares has the opportunity to coordinate checkpoint support with a TSA Customer Service Manager located at the airport when necessary,” the TSA site states.

The new Helpline is part of an effort by the TSA to focus on providing “the highest level of security and customer service to all who pass through [TSA's] screening checkpoints.”

“Our current policies and procedures focus on ensuring that all passengers, regardless of their personal situations and needs, are treated equally and with the dignity, respect, and courtesy they deserve,” TSA’s site states.

“Although every person and item must be screened before entering each secure boarding area. All disability-related equipment, aids, and devices are allowed through security checkpoints once cleared through screening.”

More Information

See the TSA Website for multiple links to additional information specific to particular disabilities, medical needs, and issues regarding traveling with assistive technology.

See also the MedlinePlus website on Assistive Devices (also called Assistive Technology). MedlinePlus is a website providing consumer health information that is a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.

And, see generally the HelpingYouCare^® resource pages on Practical Tips, Skills, Checklists & Tools for Caregiving, including:

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