Persons with Disabilities Questions and Answers
9/26/06 Changes to Liquids Ban at Airport Security Checkpoints

Q. What types of liquids are now being allowed for persons with disabilities and medical conditions?

A. We are continuing to permit prescription liquid medications and other liquids needed by persons with disabilities and medical conditions. This includes:

• all prescription and over-the-counter medications (liquid, gel, and aerosol), including KY jelly, eye drops, and saline solution for medicinal purposes;
  
  
• liquids (to include water, juice, or liquid nutrition) or gels for passengers with a disability or medical condition;
  
  
• life support and life sustaining liquids (bone marrow, blood products, transplant organs);
  
  
• items used to augment the body for medical or cosmetic reasons (e.g. mastectomy products, prosthetic breasts, bras or shells) containing gels, saline solution, or other liquids; and
  
  
• gels or frozen liquids needed to cool disability or medically related items used by persons with disabilities or medical conditions.

Q. Can persons with disabilities and medical conditions use the one quart size sealable bag for their liquid medications so they do not have to declare their liquid medications?

A. Passengers with disabilities and medical conditions can choose to put their small bottles/items of liquid medication in the one quart sealable bag (mixed with toiletries) without the need to declare these items. However, if the liquid medications are in volumes larger than 3 ozs each, they may not be placed in the quart-size bag and must be declared to a Transportation Security Officer.

Q. How can a person with a disability declare their liquids for their disability or medical condition if they are unable to speak or hear?

A. A declaration can be made verbally, in writing, or by a person’s companion, caregiver, interpreter, or family member.

Q. Do persons with disabilities and medical conditions need any documentation to validate their need for their liquid medications?

A. It is recommended (not required) that passengers bring along any supporting documentation (ID cards, letter from doctor, etc.) regarding their medication needs.

Q. Do persons with disabilities or medical conditions still need to ensure the labels on their prescription bottles match their boarding pass?

A. It is recommended, not required, that the label on prescription medications match the passengers boarding pass. If the name on prescription medication label does not match the name of the passenger, the passenger should expect to explain why to the security officers.

Q. Can a person with a disability or medical condition take enough liquid medication for their entire flight and duration of their trip?

A. Passengers are encouraged to limit quantities to what is needed for the duration of the flight.

Q. Do passengers with disabilities and medical conditions need to remove their shoes for screening?

A. Passengers will still be required to remove their shoes as part of the screening process, however, persons with disabilities, medical conditions, and prosthetic devices DO NOT have to remove their shoes. Those who keep their shoes on will be subjected to additional screening that includes a visual/physical and explosive trace detection sampling of their footwear while the footwear remains on their feet.

Q. Have the screening procedures for persons with disabilities and medical conditions changed?

A. TSA’s checkpoint security screening procedures for persons with disabilities and medical conditions have not changed as a result of the current threat situation.

Q. Are all disability-related equipment, devices, and aids allowed through security checkpoints?

A. All disability-related equipment, aids, and devices continue to be allowed through security checkpoints once cleared through screening.

Q. What equipment is allowed through security checkpoints for persons with disabilities and medical conditions?

A. Disability and medically related items permitted beyond the checkpoint include: wheelchairs; scooters; crutches; canes; walkers; prosthetic devices; casts; support braces; support appliances; service animals; any and all diabetes related medication, equipment, and supplies; orthopedic shoes; exterior medical devices; assistive/adaptive equipment; augmentation devices; ostomy supplies; medications and associated supplies; hearing aids; cochlear implants; tools for wheelchair disassembly/reassembly; personal supplemental oxygen; CPAP machines; respirators; CO2 personal oxygen concentrators; baby apnea monitors; Braille note takers; slate and stylus; tools for prosthetic devices; and any other disability-related equipment and associated supplies.