Thousands have already missed their flights.
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As passenger count has increased over the years, TSA’s manpower has dwindled. On Monday, the TSA screened more than 88,000 passengers, compared to more than 78,000 on the previous Monday, the agency said.
Checked baggage is easier and more efficient to handle, he said. The TSA has fewer screeners and has tightened security procedures. It’s no surprise you’re often seeing the longest lines in the largest airports like Los Angeles International Airport, Chicago’s Midway, New York’s JFK and La Guardia, New Jersey’s Newark, and Seattle’s Sea-Tac, but smaller airports are also feeling the crunch, so don’t let the size of an airport fool you.
He said the JetBlue terminal at JFK has 21 security lanes, but only enough agents to have seven lanes open.
He added that some workers are being forced to skip their breaks because of the long lines.
Earlier this month, DFW Airport chief executive Sean Donohue expressed confidence that the airport would receive additional TSA staff if approved by Congress. The airport is also considering taking over some non-security related operations from the TSA such as K-9 operations or moving bins used to pass personal bags and items through screening machines.
For more traveling tips head to TSA’s website.
A better answer, one that’s working elsewhere, is to privatize the duties of the TSA. The airlines only have less than half a month, to train the new recruits. Charles Schumer (D) of NY asked for bomb-sniffing dog teams to join the airports in his state, which are some of the world’s busiest.
“There are hundreds of flights leaving minutes behind each other”.
“Standing in the line and telling people to remove their shoes and take laptops out of their bags, we will put in place people this week to do those functions”, said spokeswoman Leslie Scott. Passengers at both Midway and O’Hare are posting their line photos to Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #IHatetheWait, which was started by a trade organization representing most major airlines. These canine units should be able to significantly increase the number of fliers who can be moved through an expedited screening process.
Why are security lines such a mess?
USA airports are now facing an influx of travelers. “There was probably 200 people in the line in front of me”, traveler Norm Patrick said.
Long waits at airport security are becoming such a national problem that for some airports, the solution is to send in the hounds. The airport is now undergoing a $3 billion multi-year expansion project.
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The plan, promoted by the Service Employees International Union, calls for an elected airport board. “The resources we have secured are an important step in providing needed relief for the traveling public, as well as ensuring the safety and security of our passengers”.
