Older American travellers given break
Some older air travellers in America will be ‘flying high’ after a new program allowing them to skip ‘pat-downs’ and keep their shoes and light jackets on, may improve their overall air-experience. The test program, targeted at those aged 75 years and older, was announced last Wednesday (14 March 2012).
Some older air travellers in America will be ‘flying high’ after a new program allowing them to skip ‘pat-downs’ and keep their shoes and light jackets on, may improve their overall air-experience.
The test program, targeted at those aged 75 years and older, was announced last Wednesday (14 March 2012) and will take effect at four American airports today (Monday, 19 March 2012).
The four airports chosen have a higher percentage of travellers in the 75 years and over age group.
The new guidelines come from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) after criticism grew over “invasive pat-downs” by airport security after the 9/11 terror attacks.
Elderly travellers, including young children, will reportedly be asked to use metal detectors or walk-through imaging machines rather than be ‘frisked’ by airport security.
Some travellers at American airports may also be able to keep their shoes on during checkpoints, as well as leave liquids and laptops in their bags.
Although Council on the Ageing (COTA) advocates seniors’ rights and wellbeing, chief executive for the national branch, Ian Yates, tells DPS News, “people shouldn’t be treated differently because of their age”.
“There needs to be justified reasons why older people should be exempt from strict security measures at airports. I would reject the notion that an older person couldn’t be a terrorist.
“However, for security reasons, I think staff should treat everyone with respect,” he says.
The TSA disputes claims of elderly travellers who alleged they were “humiliated” when strip-searched, but acknowledged screeners violated rules by asking to examine these travellers’ medical devices.
An older traveller reportedly was made to remove a back brace so it could be x-rayed and another was asked to lower her sweat pants to allow security to examine her colostomy bag.
What are your thoughts on airport security “pat-downs”? Do you think elderly travellers should be exempt from having to endure, at times, such vigorous security measures?
