TSA revises rules for older travelers
By Bart Jansen, USA Today
Airline passengers who are at least 75 years old will be able to keep their shoes and light jackets on at security checkpoints at four airports, the Transportation Security Administration recently said.
The changes are similar to those adopted in September for children up to 12 and will reduce — but not eliminate — pat-downs for the elderly. The test will begin at Chicago’s O’Hare, Denver, Orlando and Portland, airports. If an alarm sounds, elderly passengers may be asked to remove their shoes. A full-body scan is an option for all passengers who can stand still for five seconds. Elderly passengers will be allowed a second chance if a full-body scanner spots anything suspicious.
The changes are part of TSA Administrator John Pistole’s strategy for focusing more attention on potentially riskier passengers. The agency eased screening for children, for frequent fliers at specific airports who voluntarily give background information under the Pre-check program and for pilots in uniform at certain airports.