Springfield Airport Embraces TSA's Changes to Elderly Screenings

(Springfield, MO) -- On this big travel weekend, the Transportation Security Administration is getting ready to expand a program designed to ease the screening process for elderly flyers.

At age 74, Marvin Rosen is happy to take his shoes off when he goes through airport security, but it's not easy.

"I have a problem walking so I have a problem bending down and getting my shoes, picking them up."

His wife Phylis had a hip replaced, so she's used to spending lots of time with security screeners.

"I know the TSA is only doing their job but sometimes it's a little upsetting because they really pat you down," she says.

"I always hated taking off my shoes," says John Nyquist in Springfield. "That's hard and when you get through the line you can't find a place to sit down. And old people can't stand on one leg to put them on."

"An old person can walk on with bombs on their feet and figure this is the last trip I'll take," says Daryl Wilson. "So maybe that isn't so good."

It's experiences like these the Transportation Security Administration hopes to cut down.

"Old and young people pose a very small risk," says Mark Rosenker, CBS News Aviation and Transportation Safety Analyst.

The TSA is expanding a program, that allows passengers ages 75 and older to go through security with their shoes, belts and light coats on.

The new screening procedures will also allow elderly passengers get a second pass through airport scanners if they set off an alarm. If screeners still detect a problem, then seniors may have to take off their shoes and jackets."

Leaders at the Springfield-Branson National Airport think it's a positive change.

"Not subjecting the elderly to that makes the place more customer friendly," says airport spokesman Kent Boyd. "There's no doubt about that. It can only do good not only for the airport's image but for the TSA's image."

"Nobody enjoyed having to go through that process," says Boyd. "The elderly having to go through it and I can tell you the TSA agents don't enjoy it. "

"Whatever it takes to keep it safe for everybody," says Wilson.

"They'll have a better opportunity to get through the process without a patdown, but again, this is not a free pass," adds Rosenker.

The changes follow outrage over highly-publicized incidents -- like the strip search of 85-year-old Lenore Zimmerman last December.

"Who could imagine that such a thing could happen?" she asked after the incident.

The Rosens are looking forward to the changes in the security line, and seeing their grandchildren when they land.