Travel help at airports this Thanksgiving
by Beth
Flying over the Thanksgiving holidays? Here’s something you should know: the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has ways you can get help navigating airport checkpoints. The TSA’s Passenger Support Specialists Program trains select Transportation Security Officers, Lead TSOs and Supervisors to take on the extra responsibility of helping passengers who may be in need of special assistance. From the Transportation Security Administration web site:
More than 2,600 Passenger Support Specialists at airports across the country assist passengers who require additional assistance with security checkpoint screening.
Passenger Support Specialists receive specialized disability training provided by TSA’s Office of Civil Rights and Liberties, Ombudsman and Traveler Engagement. Training for Passenger Support Specialists include how to assist with individuals with special needs, how to communicate with passengers by listening and explaining, and disability etiquette and disability civil rights.
The site said that travelers who need special accommodations or are concerned about checkpoint screening can ask a checkpoint officer or supervisor for a Passenger Support Specialist to provide on-the-spot assistance. Travelers can request a Passenger Support specialist ahead of time, too, by calling the TSA Cares hotline at 855.787.2227. TSA recommends you call approximately 72 hours ahead of travel to give TSA Cares a chance to coordinate checkpoint support with a TSA Customer Service Manager at the airport if necessary. I may just give this a try. Experience has shown me that you can never get enough help when it comes to navigating O’Hare Airport!
November 22nd, 2013 at 9:32 am
I would like free return address labels please. Thank u
Tracy Pompura
1673 Creekview Drive
Verona, PA 15147