Most airlines provide accommodations to persons with disabilities who have difficulty walking through the airport—usually in the form of a wheelchair and wheelchair attendant. Please contact your airline for more information about wheelchair assistance as TSA does not provide this service.

The screening process for a passenger who uses a wheelchair or scooter is determined by a passenger’s ability to stand and walk. A passenger can be screened without standing, walking, or being required to transfer out of a wheelchair or scooter; however, a passenger should inform a security officer of his or her ability before the screening begins.

Passengers who can neither stand nor walk will be screened by a thorough patdown while they remain seated.

Passengers who can stand but cannot walk will be asked to stand near their wheelchair or scooter and will be screened using a thorough patdown.

Passengers in wheelchairs or scooters who can walk may be able to be screened using a metal detector or imaging technology.

A patdown procedure is used to resolve any alarms of a metal detector or anomalies identified by imaging technology.

Regardless of how the passenger is screened, the passenger’s wheelchair or scooter will be inspected, including the seat cushions and any non-removable pouches or fanny packs. It will also be tested for traces of explosives, and any removable pouches will be required to undergo X-ray screening.

Links:

• Advanced Imaging Technology and Metal Detector Screening
• Pat-down Screening
• Disabilities and Medical Conditions
• TSA's Notification Card

Please click on the links below for specific information about what to expect for passengers who: