US to Ease Security Checks for Over 75's

The US government have announced that security screening checks will be eased for those aged 75 and over in the build up to the Memorial Day holiday weekend. The weekend usually marks the beginning of the US summer vacation period.

The 'Seventy-five plus' scheme means that anyone in this age group, perceived to be 'lower risk', will not have to remove their shoes, belts or jackets during security checks. The relaxation of the normal proceeder for senior passengers comes following a number of high profile occurrences in which JFK International Airport received complaints from older women about being strip searched.

Security Checks Eased for Elderly Passengers

The changed procedures are seen as a beginning in the shake up for elderly passengers which is expected to see the introduction of rules allowing multiple passages through metal detectors or body scanners should an alarm be activated. Resolving security issues this way is hoped to make those over the age range feel safer during the screening process and reduce the number of pat downs.

New York's three main airports, JFK International, Newark Liberty and La Gaurdia, will see the roll out of these easing measures during the Memorial Day weekend though the rest of the US could soon see similar measures. The scheme has already seen successful testing in Chicago, Orlando, Portland and Denver airports.

The easing of measures for those over the age of 75 follows a ruling by the TSA last September allowing children under twelve to keep there shoes on while passing through security screening. These changes put into practice the TSA's promise to focus on high-risk travellers rather than implementing a one-size-fits all procedure.

A spokeswoman for the TSA has reported that passengers will not be identity checked for their ages, instead staff will rely on visual judgements to decide on those who qualify for the relaxed rules.