Due to recent media reports regarding a Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General review of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security screening activities at airports, the TSA is implementing policy and procedure changes that will affect all passengers, including passengers with disabilities, in order to better achieve TSA’s mission of protecting the nation’s transportation systems to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce.
This means that travelers may notice heightened security screening activities. For this reason, travelers with disabilities who are concerned about the heightened screening activities are strongly encouraged to contact TSA Cares at 855/787-2227. The hours of operation for the TSA Cares help line are Monday through Friday 8am-11pm EST and weekends and holidays 9am-8pm EST. Travelers who are deaf or hard of hearing can use a relay service to contact TSA Cares, or can send an email to TSA-ContactCenter@tsa.dhs.gov.
When a passenger with a disability or medical condition calls TSA Cares, a representative will provide assistance with information about screening that is relevant to the passenger’s specific disability or medical condition. And, the passenger can secure the services of a passenger support specialist on the day of travel to assist him or her through the security checkpoint if necessary.