South Florida Travelers Say New TSA Cares Hotline Sensible, Needed

The TSA suggests passengers call three days ahead of travel.

Just before the Christmas travel frenzy, the Transportation Security Administration launched a hotline to help those who may have a little more trouble navigating checkpoints.

The TSA Cares helpline is designed to give assistance on screening procedures to passengers, particularly those with disabilities or medical conditions.

"I think for women or for other people who are in a situation where they need some extra help, I think that the idea that they can call ahead and alert the authority, it's always going to make things go better," traveler James Korf said.

The TSA suggests passengers call three days ahead of travel, so it can arrange support at the airport if necessary.

Over the phone, representatives will educate fliers about screening policies.

"I think it's a great idea. I think it will expedite things going faster through and anything to make sure everything is checked and everyone being safe," traveler Sharron Ross said.

The new service comes after the TSA came under scrutiny for allegedly strip-searching at least two elderly women with medical conditions.

"To frisk-search, strip-search an 85-year-old woman in a wheelchair, there has to be something wrong," said Lenore Zimmerman of Coconut Creek.

She claims she was injured and humiliated at JFK Airport earlier this month, after she asked to be patted down because of her defibrillator.

The TSA says proper procedures were followed.

In a statement, the agency says it "strives to provide the highest level of security while ensuring that all passengers are treated with dignity and respect."

"After hearing those news stories, very definitely I think it's good that it's there and somebody could call it, I would if it happened to me," said Penny Bissett, who has an artificial hip.

The TSA Cares toll-free number is 1-855-787-2227.

Contact Us