The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has relaxed airport security screening procedures for children and the elderly following widespread criticism.
The new policies allow children, aged 12 or younger, to go through airport security without taking off their shoes.
To minimise the need for pat-downs, children are now allowed to go through metal detectors and body scanners several times to clear any alarms.
Screening changes for passengers who are 75 years or older are similar to the screening process for children.
Elderly people will also be able to go through airport security without removing their shoes or a light jacket and will be able to go through the metal detector and body scanners several times to clear any alarms.
The TSA has also debuted a new programme to help frequent travellers move through security checkpoints faster.
The programme is called ‘TSA Pre’ and is available in more than 30 US airports to frequent passengers of a limited number of airlines, including Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines.
Travellers who enroll in the program:
– Do not need to take off their shoes and belts while going through security
– Can keep their computers inside their bags
– Can go through security without taking off a light jacket
– To enroll in the TSA Pre programme, visit GlobalEntry.gov.
