Passengers in the security line at O’Hare International Airport on Dec. 22, 2012. (Credit: CBS)
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CHICAGO (CBS) — O’Hare International Airport is among the hubs where the Transportation Security Administration has decided to ease security screening for passengers age 75 or older.
As WBBM Newsradio’s Regine Schlesinger reports, starting next Monday, the TSA will start testing the new procedures at O’Hare, as well as Denver, Orlando, and Portland international airports.
LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio’s Regine Schlesinger reports
The 75-and-over passengers will no longer have to remove their shoes and light outerwear. The approach is similar to a recent change in screening methods for children.
The move comes after several elderly passengers recently complained about excessively intrusive searches.
TSA spokesman Jim Fotenos says the agency is moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach to screenings.
“Intelligence tells us that certain groups present less risk. Children and passengers over 75 are among those, so we’re testing to see, operationally, if this will work in an airport setting,” he said.
Also this month, the TSA launches its expedited screening for qualified frequent fliers who pre-register.
