Well it finally happened, I had a bad experience with TSA. I have read numerous accounts of amputees having difficulties with the TSA but I had never experienced anything close to what they had experienced. That is until I encountered, what can best be described as an over ambitious, not well versed on TSA policy, TSA agent at Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix, AZ.

Prior to the trip, I had flown with my family a few times and had many dealings with TSA agents and never had a problem. This trip, however I was flying solo and decided that I would not request a wheel chair or do any type of pre-check. I would show up just like everyone else and go through the same screening process with the understanding that a pat-down and swab test would be required, no problem. I felt great leaving Jacksonville. I had gone through the screening without an issue. When I have flown in the past, I have always worn shorts, regardless of the weather. It’s much more comfortable and convenient for me and it makes it easy on the TSA agents as well because they can see exactly what they are dealing with and there is no explanation needed as to why I don’t remove my shoes. On previous trips, my wife insisted on me requesting a wheel chair so that it makes the trek through the airport much easier and the security check goes smoothly.

Upon arriving at Sky Harbor Airport, I made my way to the security check point, placed my items in the bin for x-ray and proceeded to the scanner. While I am standing there, an agent from the line next to me asked me to take off my shoes. I politely told him that I do not need to take my shoes off and I will get the pat down on the other side. He again asked me to remove my shoes and I told him that I had flown several times and that I am not required to take off my shoes. He then went from asking to telling me, take off your shoes. I told him I am not required to do so and that I would have to remove my prosthesis in order to do so. He then asked, well can the other shoe come off? I said technically they both can come off but that I am not required to do so. He then said that I would not be allowed to move forward unless I took the one shoe off. At this point I had a decision to make, stand my ground or comply. Not knowing how difficult this guy could make my life or how long he could delay me, I complied and removed the one shoe. I when through the scanner, got swabbed, put on my shoe, and immediately went to the desk and asked for a supervisor, which caught the agent’s attention, as he left his station and moved closer to where I was standing. When his supervisor came out, I simply asked if the TSA’s policy https://www.tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures had changed. The last time I checked, persons with disabilities are not required to remove their shoes. He told me that nothing had changed and I explained to him what happened. He was very polite and apologetic and asked me to point out the agent who required me to remove my shoe. He vowed to address the situation as soon as possible.

In the back of my mind, I knew that this day would come. I knew one day I would run into a situation where someone would highlight the fact that I had a disability, even though I don’t consider myself disabled. The good thing is that hopefully I was able to help the next amputee that encounters this agent, and the agents around him, so that no one else will have to be humiliated in front of dozens of other people like I was. I am all for being in compliance and following the rules but I stayed within the rules of the TSA’s own policy and was called out for it.

My advice to fellow amputees, comply and live to fight another day. My conversation with his supervisor was far more impactful then arguing with an uninformed agent who could have potentially make my trip very miserable. He had the power and he knew it. Sometimes we have to be our own advocates for what’s right and I actually look forward to the next opportunity of educating the next person that needs a lesson in disability rights, even if I have to do it while wearing only one shoe.

I would love to hear your story and challenges while traveling.