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Teen With Autism Gets a Helping Hand From TSA During Rush Hour

April 02, 2018
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3 min read
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Teen With Autism Gets a Helping Hand From TSA During Rush Hour
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For most of us, the thought of the Transportation Security Administration line is enough to elicit groans and eye-rolls. However, single mom Angie Solis recently raved about her wonderful experience with TSA passenger support specialist Alesea, who helped Angie and her 13-year-old son Zion through the security checkpoint at Indianapolis International Airport (IND) on their way to Jacksonville, Florida (JAX).

In Angie's own words, here's what happened:



Zion and I, along with my daughter Zoë (who is 15 and not special needs), were traveling to Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, to stay with my best friend and her family for spring break.
Two years ago we drove, and it was beyond painful: 42-hour round-trip due to traffic, construction and accidents. Ugh!
So this time, we decided to fly. I figured it would be challenging, but decided that we could do anything to get through a 2-hour direct flight in lieu of that insane drive.
TSA made it flawless. Then between the iPad and good headphones, some lollipops, stickers and a coloring book, he never made a peep. Allegiant was amazing as well!

In gratitude, Angie penned an open letter to TSA on Facebook, which understandably went viral within minutes:



Dear TSA,
You are my sunshine. I will brag about you to anyone who will listen. I called you on Thursday morning in a worried frenzy. I was overly anxious and driving myself nuts about flying with my son for the first time. He’s 13... and has autism.
I was worried about airport security and how his anxiety would create a giant meltdown. But you made it flawless.
When we walked through your doorway at 5 a.m., there were people everywhere. Hundreds upon hundreds of people waiting to pass security...and get on with their spring break. Fear struck me. Hard. My heartbeat quickened. I started to breathe faster.
I looked over at my son and smiled, trying not to show my fear. He pointed at the long line and said, “No, thank you.”
And before I could even take another calming breath... Alesea appeared: Your passenger support specialist.
Sweet, precious Alesea. Sent to us from TSA heaven. She spoke directly to my son. She treated him like a person with feelings and a voice and worth. With her super powers she lifted a divider, motioned us through, and escorted us to the front of the line. We went through a gentle security check where no one put their hands on us or even said much. We didn’t even have to remove our shoes. Alesea escorted us to our gate, saving us from panic... because our flight was not listed on the reader board.
Total time from the moment we walked in the front door to being seated at the gate: 14 minutes.
Thank you TSA, from the bottom of my heart for making this experience stress-free. And for caring enough to understand that some people just process differently and need extra TLC.
Your new BFF,

Angie

In case you didn't know, TSA offers the same passenger support for any travelers with special needs. For the best experience, call or email the TSA Cares helpline 72 hours before your flight to request special assistance ahead of time. Otherwise, you can also ask a TSA officer or supervisor for a passenger support specialist who can provide on-the-spot assistance. Dial (855) 787-2227 x 711 to reach a representative on weekdays between 8am to 11pm ET, or on weekends and holidays between 9am to 8pm ET.

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.