eSight Community News

The following quotes are extracted from DHS Secretary Michael
Chertoff's press conference yesterday:

• "In light of the nature of the liquid
  explosive devices which were designed by the
  plotters, we are temporarily banning all
  liquids in carry-ons in aircraft cabins.
  That means no liquids or gels will be
  allowed in carry-on baggage. Any liquids or
  gels have to be checked as part of baggage
  to go into the hold. There will be
  exceptions for baby formula and medicines,
  but travelers must be prepared to present
  these items for inspection at the
  checkpoint, and that will allow us to take a
  look at them and make sure that they're safe
  to fly."

• "Today, air traffic is safe. And air
  traffic will remain safe precisely because
  of the measures we are adopting today.
  People should be patient, but they need not
  cancel their travel plans. They simply need
  to be aware there may be some delays and
  they may want to check with their carriers
  to see whether they ought to adjust their
  arrival times at airports."

Overall guidance to travelers with disabilities is located on the
web site of the Department of Homeland Security's Transportation
Security Administration (TSA) at: http://www.tsa.gov. This
guidance includes tips specific to those with disabilities and
medical conditions.

TSA's Checkpoint Security Screening Procedures for persons with
disabilities, individuals with medical conditions, and the mature
have not changed as a result of the current threat situation.

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

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.

Current restrictions prohibit liquids, gels, or lotions (except
baby formula/milk and medications) through the security screening
checkpoints and onboard the aircraft. This includes common
items, such as, but not limited to: beverages, perfume/cologne,
shampoo, shaving cream, suntan lotion, creams, toothpaste, hair
gels, saline solution. Such items are recommended for transport
in checked baggage.

It is also recommended that those with medications only take the
amount of medication essential to sustain them until arrival at
their final destination. Additional medication can be placed in
checked baggage or mailed to their final destination. This will
help speed up the screening process and avoid additional delays.

Travelers with disabilities, medical conditions, and the mature
may want to consider the following:

• Arriving at the airport well in advance, 2-3 hours prior
  to flight;

• Following all published rules on carry-on items and
  medications;

• Viewing TSA website tips for persons with disabilities and
  medical conditions and other TSA screening advisements located on
  TSAs website under "Our Travelers,"

• Bringing documentation on medications, devices, medical
  condition where possible. This is not a requirement and will not
  exempt a passenger from the screening process.

• Packing medications in a clear bag separate from other
  carry-on items/bags;

• Exercising patience with the lines, delays, and stringent
  screening procedures.

For additional information on transportation security, the
Transportation Security Administration Contact Center may be
reached at:

1-866-289-9673 (Voice/Relay)
tsa-contactcenter@dhs.gov (Email)
http://www.tsa.gov (Web)

For concerns about potential rights violations, contact the TSA
Office of Civil Rights at:

1-877-336-4872 (Voice)
1-800-877-8339 (TTY)
tsa-contactcenter@dhs.gov (Email)

For information about overall air travel accessibility, contact
the Air Carrier Access Act Hotline of the Department of
Transportation at:

1-800-778-4838 (Voice)
1-866- 754-4368 (TTY)
airconsumer@ost.dot.gov
http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov (Web)

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Olegario D. Cantos VII, Esq.
Associate Director for Domestic Policy
The White House
Washington, DC 20502
ocantos@who.eop.gov [Email]