Complaints by passengers prompted U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer and state Sen. Michael Gianaris to call for a passenger advocate at airports. The proposal was prompted by an elderly woman’s claims that she was strip searched by security officials at Kennedy Airport.  Although the claim was denied by the TSA, others have since made similar claims.

    "The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) strives to provide the highest level of security while ensuring that all passengers are treated with dignity and respect," the agency stated Saturday night. "TSA has programs in place for the screening of people with all types of disabilities and medical conditions and their associated equipment."

    According to a spokesperson from TSA, after a claim that a woman was stopped because of a bulge that was colostomy bag, the administration spoke to several national groups that are advocates for medical conditions, including colostomy bags. Based on information gathered the TSA is planning to establish a toll-free telephone hotline in January for passengers that may need help during screening. The hotline will give passengers guidance and information which will help prior to flying.

    Under the Schumer-Gianaris proposal, an advocate could be summoned in person by passengers if they feel they were inappropriately searched.

    "While the safety and security of our flights must be a top priority, we need to make sure that flying does not become a fear-inducing, degrading, and potentially humiliating experience," Schumer said.

    "I appreciate the TSA's work to keep air passengers safe, but passengers should not be humiliated and degraded during their travels," Gianaris said.

    Recently, an 85-year-old woman said she was injured and humiliated when she was asked to take off her pants and other clothes after she asked not to go through a body scanner because of fear it would interfere with her defibrillator. She missed her flight and had to take one 2 1/2 hours later. Again, this allegation was denied.

    "While we regret that the passenger feels she had an unpleasant screening experience, TSA does not include strip searches as part of our security protocols and one was not conducted in this case," the TSA stated.

    The TSA did admit that a misunderstanding led to the removal of the woman's back brace. The TSA said the equipment was mistaken as a money belt. Refresher courses are planned for JFK employees, the TSA stated.

    "We work regularly with a coalition of advocacy groups that represent those with disabilities and medical conditions to help TSA understand their conditions and adapt screening procedures accordingly," the TSA said.

    So do you think these people are making it up?  Let us hear from you.  Do you have any harrowing airport stories?  Tell us on Twitter @DisaboomLive or on facebook group: Disaboomlive