Officials at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport are awaiting the prompt arrival of 58 new security officers and four dog teams from the Transportation Security Administration.
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As a combination of lower fares, more flights and a strong economy has boosted the numbers of people flying, two- and three-hour delays in security screening lines on domestic flights have drawn the ire of travelers.
New York City airports are among the busiest in the country.
Beyond the lengthy security lines, lawmakers have been pressing the TSA to address allegations of mismanagement.
The long security lines at some of the nation’s major airports in recent weeks have been nuts. “That’s why I am pleased that the TSA has agreed to deploy over 200 new agents to New York City-area airports to unclog the lines and improve security-something that benefits travelers all across the United States”.
On Friday, the TSA administrator, Peter Neffenger, was hauled in front of the press in Chicago by Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Illinois Sen.
In an email, he said the decision to hire private contractors “was something the Port could take action on for a temporary solution”.
TSA officials say they’re scrambling to add additional staff for airport checkpoints. “Tragically, we were reminded all too recently by the attack on the Brussels Metro and airport earlier this year that protecting our airports and surface transportation through substantial security measures is vital to protecting our citizens, and in light of this urge that funding is restored-not reduced”. These responsibilities have included things like: establishing an aviation security advisory committee in TSA; giving assistance to ensure working plans are implemented to respond to security events in each airport that the TSA oversees; and developing and publishing a 5-year technology investment plan to report security risks and vulnerabilities. American Airlines said it will spend $4 million on the initiative, while Southwest is planning a similar effort that will bring more support staff to Love Field starting next week.
“There’s a balance that needs to be met between security and wait times”, he said.
The MAC is adding more employees this summer to direct travelers to ticketing kiosks and security lines in Terminal 1 (Lindbergh).
The TSA has said part of the problem is that passengers haven’t gotten on-board with its PreCheck program, which costs $85 for five years of access. “We can’t have a situation like we had here in Chicago again”.
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But they remain concerned about long lines at security checkpoints heading into the busy Memorial Day weekend and summer travel season. However, TSA says a boom in air travel will likely keep checkpoints packed.
