Airline travel is nature's way of making you look like your passport photo.
-- Al Gore
I don't travel by air very often. It can be a chore and very expensive.
Many of us travel by car, which can also be a chore and expensive. But it's more convenient because we can make stops and be at the mercy of those we know instead of people we don't know who are invading our space.
The holidays are behind us, but before you know it, spring break will be here and then summer with all its adventures.
For diabetics, air travel can serve up an array of problems that may need to be addressed by the Transportation Security Administration.
According to an article on the American Diabetes Association website (diabetes.org), the TSA launched TSA Cares last year. It's a help-line designed to assist travelers who have disabilities and medical conditions.
Travelers can call (855) 787-2227 at least 72 hours before departure with questions about screening policies and what to expect at the security checkpoint. Hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekends and holidays.
A traveler who needs assistance or is concerned about screening can ask a checkpoint officer or supervisor for a "passenger support specialist" (PSS).
More than 2,600 transportation security officers now serve a dual role as a PSS to, well, support passengers. They have extra training, including instruction on the civil rights of those with disabilities and medical conditions, and strategies for providing respectful assistance that protects passengers' dignity.
The TSA encourages travelers who think they'll need the assistance of a PSS to arrive at the airport early and ask for one.
If you want to discreetly notify the TSA about your diabetes or other disability, fill out a "disability notification card." Just hand it to officers to inform them of your condition or a medical device that might affect security screening.
It does not exempt you from screening, though.
Traditional metal detectors and advanced imaging technology (AIT) devices are in place at most airports. You might be directed to either one by an officer.
If you set off a detector, you have the right to have the screening done in private and with a witness of your choice.
If you use an insulin pump, you can be screened without disconnecting from the pump. But it is important that the passenger inform the officer conducting the screening about such devices before the screening begins. By the way, passengers have the right to request to be screened by pat-down in lieu of imaging technology.
Transportation security officers should never tell you to take off your devices, tell you that you need to keep them on and go through scanners or tell you that you can't go through the AIT scanners.
But it is your choice.
Diabetics have the option to have a visual inspection of insulin or other diabetic supplies rather than putting them through X-ray.
Again, you must request such visual inspection before the screening process begins. Separate them from your other property in a pouch or bag.
To prevent contamination or damage to medication or supplies, you should be asked at security to display, handle and repack your own supplies during a visual inspection. And medication or supplies that cannot be cleared visually must be submitted for X-ray screening.
If you refuse, you might not be permitted to carry your property past the security checkpoint.
For information on screening procedures or other matters go to tsa.gov.
If you feel like you have been treated unfairly when traveling because of your disease or disability, call (800) 342-2383 and ask about a legal advocate.
Email me at:
rboggs@arkansasonline.com
ActiveStyle on 01/30/2017