Do you know that you can access TSA Cares if you travel with anybody who has a disability? I was made aware of this program through a friend who has used it several times with her daughter. Kayla has a difficult time going through security. Between her AFO’s, headphones, inability to talk to people she does not know and anxiety to new situations, going through security can be a nightmare. We decided to test out TSA Cares and see if it would help Kayla transition easier through security.
We used it while traveling out of Boston during April vacation and unfortunately did not have a great experience. For some unknown reason the information did not get passed on, the airlines had no idea what TSA Cares was, and the security checkpoint wasn’t that helpful either. With thousands of people traveling every day, I realize that information can get lost and things might not be in place when we arrive at the airport. I decided to give TSA Cares another shot this summer when traveling to Florida.
When we arrived at the airport at 5:00 AM, the line to check in was very long. Fortunately, we had some time before our flight left but I was a little nervous because lines can be tricky for Kayla. After 10 minutes a TSA agent approached us, introduced herself, and told us what to expect once we checked in. She stayed with us to check-in our bag and walked us up to TSA. Meanwhile, while in line for TSA, another security agent with his dog came up and introduced himself, let Kayla pet his dog, and gave her a card with the dog’s picture on it. Once we arrived at the checkpoint, they took us aside, helped break down her stroller, walked Kayla through the security screen, swabbed her braces, headphones, & hands and sent us on our way.
Coming back from Jacksonville, not only was the Delta agent extremely accommodating, TSA Cares was fabulous. As soon as we reached the check-point line I notified them that we usually have TSA Cares help us through. A woman approached, introduced herself, reminded her staff what accommodations needed to be made and walked Kayla through the screening process. Kayla sat down, got her braces, hands, and headphones swabbed, gave high fives and off to our gate we went.
I realize that to many families this seems over the top, but to prevent meltdowns, decrease anxiety and stress levels it is helpful to have systems in place. Yes, there will be times when things don’t run smoothly, messages don’t get passed along, or people aren’t flexible. However, when the systems do work, TSA agents make connections with kids, and accommodations occur it creates a sense of calmness, not only for the child, but for the family as well.
Thanks TSA Cares in Burlington, Vermont and Jacksonville, Florida for making our trip extra easy this time around! Check out TSA Cares.