The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) continues to take efforts to further enhance security by applying risk-based, intelligence driven screening procedures.

TSA is implementing a program to revise screening procedures for passengers 12 and under. By streamlining procedures for lower risk passengers TSA will be better able to focus its resources on those who are higher risk.

These changes in procedures allow passengers 12 and under to leave their shoes on during security screening and also gives Officers more options to resolve any alarms that may occur during the screening process. TSA anticipates these changes will further reduce – though not eliminate – the need for a physical pat-down for children that would otherwise have been conducted to resolve alarms.

These modified procedures will inform TSA’s next steps as the agency considers future procedures to continue to strengthen and streamline the security screening process for travelers.

Here’s a few frequently asked questions:

Q.  Does this mean passengers 12 and under will be screened separately from their parents?
A.  TSA will never separate a child from their parent or guardian.

Q.  Why can children leave their shoes on while adults still have to remove theirs at checkpoint?
A.  Shoes remain a potential concealment technique that TSA takes seriously, but intelligence and history have shown that allowing passengers of this age to leave their shoes on poses little risk to aviation security. Children will still be screened at checkpoints and all alarms will be resolved.

Q.  Will TSA still conduct pat-downs on children?
A.  Transportation Security Officers will have more options to resolve alarms when screening passengers 12 and under. These may include permitting multiple attempts to capture a clear image during advanced imaging technology screening, increased use of explosives trace detection, and multiple attempts to go through a walk through metal detector. These changes in protocol will ultimately reduce – though not eliminate – pat-downs of children.

Q.  Will children still go through Advanced Imaging Technology?
A.  Advanced Imaging Technology remains optional for all passengers. As part of this screening change, TSA will permit multiple attempts by passengers 12 and under to capture a clear image during advanced imaging technology screening to further reduce the need for pat-downs to resolve any alarms.

Q.  How will TSA know which passengers are under 12?
A.  TSA Officers will make a judgment based how old the child appears.

Seems like good news for parents.  What are your thoughts?