Spreading Awareness of TSA Cares

This article is a moment of vulnerability for this gal. For the last 10 years, I’ve traveled for probably 75 percent of my job. Before working at VAX, I traveled working for Midwest Airlines and then Frontier for 10 years. I think of myself as a fairly knowledgeable traveler, having enrolled in Global Entry for a second time. The other day, I stumbled on an Instagram reel, yes, I’m human and I get sucked into those too, that talked about TSA Cares. I was surprised so I decided to do a little research.

It turns out that TSA Cares offers a helpline that provides travelers with disabilities, medical conditions and other circumstances additional assistance during the security screening process. What really stuck out to me was that this could make traveling easier for my transgender daughter. She has often been pulled out and not always treated respectfully when going through security. Passengers with autism are another type of traveler who would benefit from utilizing this program, along with a host of other situations.

TSA Cares doesn’t get you out of the screening process, but it helps you get through the process with less stress!

Interested in learning more? Here are ways TSA Cares can help you and your travelers:

• Difficulty standing or waiting in line
• Difficulty following instructions
• Mobility limitations including difficulty standing, walking or lifting your arms
• Use of mobility aids or support devices
• Internal/external devices or other concerns that may affect your ability to use screening technology
• Transporting medically necessary liquids, gels and aerosols over 3.4oz
• Traveling with a service animal
• Difficulty understanding and communicating in English
• Religious or cultural items
• Religious headwear or garments
• A Tribal traveler with cultural, sacred items and/or regalia
• Concerns regarding screening for transgender and gender diverse individuals

You can fill out this form from TSA.gov or call TSA Cares at (855) 787-2227 to request assistance if your flight is within 72 hours.

I also found this helpful article TSA Cares and Flight Prep for Those With Special Needs by Dina Farmer.

How did I not know about this? I’m guessing I’m not the only one who was unaware, and hopefully this can help you and your clients as they travel.

Does anyone have experience with this? Please share in the comments!

About the Author

Beth Kitzman is the business development manager for Trisept Solutions' Agency Channel for VAX VacationAccess. Beth focuses on nurturing business relationships and finding exciting, unique ways for VAX to support travel agencies. With over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, beginning with Walt Disney World then working for airlines and now focusing on travel technology, Beth loves using her education degree to find ways to educate and empower travel agents to grow their leisure travel business.