Travel Tips

Travel Tip: New TSA Rules

Locations in this article:  Chicago, IL Denver, CO Orlando, FL Portland, OR

It seems like every every few months, the TSA tests out another policy or procedure. But this time, there are some positive changes coming.

You may have heard that children under 12 no longer have to remove their shoes when going through security.

They may receive what’s called a “modified pat-down” and might have to go through metal detectors or scanners more than once to ensure security.

Well, the good news is, there are now similar rules that apply to passengers who are 75 or older.

Four U.S. airports are participating in a pilot program that allows older passengers to go through security without removing their shoes and outer layers of clothing.

If the alarm goes off, they may have to go through the scanner more than once. That doesn’t mean they’re exempt from pat-down procedures.

For now, we’re going to see this program at Chicago’s O’Hare, and airports in Denver, Orlando, and Portland, Oregon.

The theory behind these new rules? The TSA is trying to focus its energies on higher-risk groups. And any security decision that involves common sense gets my vote.

For more information, visit the Travel Safety and Security archives.

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