The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced Wednesday that it would begin testing new procedures that might reduce the number of pat-downs for travelers older than 75, MSNBC reports.
Beginning March 19, modified screening for elderly passengers will begin at Chicago's O'Hare International, Denver International, Orlando International and Portland International airports, due to the increased percentage of passengers of that age at these airports, according to TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein, says MSNBC.
Similar to the recently implemented procedures for children, elderly travelers might no longer need to remove their shoes and light outerwear at the checkpoints and are allowed a "do-over" through the advanced imaging technology to clear any abnormalities. However, MSNBC says, TSA still reserves the right to ask elderly fliers to undergo pat-downs or remove their shoes in necessary.
Each airport testing the program is enacting it at only one checkpoint, Farbstein said, and officers and signage will direct eligible participants to the modified checkpoints.
"We think this will improve security," said Farbstein. "We know it's not one-size-fits-all and this will allow us to focus more of our time on passengers we know less about."
