The lines can be and likely will be very long. Over and over, we have seen that it was a big mistake for the Bush administration and Congress to nationalize airport screening back in 2001.
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“TSA makes every effort to reunite passengers with items left at the checkpoint, however there are instances where loose change or other items are left behind and unclaimed”, the agency said in a statement. There are now 22 airports in the country that have private airport security contractors working under TSA supervision.
Summer travel on USA airlines is expected to reach an all-time high this year, trade group Airlines for America said on Wednesday, adding to concern that travelers could face even longer airport security lines.
“We will spend an additional $4 million to provide contract staff at our USA hubs and gateways”, Robert Isom, American’s chief operating officer, said in a Wednesday letter to employees.
“We want to keep passengers moving, but we want to keep passengers safe”, said Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson.
The TSA says it’s trying to cope with record numbers of travelers while also keeping them safe.
“The number of passengers is growing faster than the infrastructure on the ground”, said Engel. Note on May 18, 2016 the TSA posted the following ALERT: Due to a significant increase in demand for TSA Pre✓®, consumers may experience longer than usual wait times at some enrollment centers and when calling the UES Call Center.
One of his bosses, COO Robert Isom, said in a press release, “We all agree that the TSA plays a vital role in protecting the traveling public and we’re not in favor of anything that jeopardizes that safety”.
Airlines for America, an airline trade group, created the Twitter handle #iHatetheWait for people to register complaints about security lines.
The TSA has unveiled a 10-point plant to help reduce the wait times, including the hiring of 768 new screeners by mid-June and bringing in more canine teams. Security wait times have stretched longer than two hours at some U.S. airports this spring.
Two U.S. senators have asked airlines to stop charging bag fees during the summer. Sen.
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US airlines raised $3.8 billion from bag fees past year, according to the government. Bomb-sniffing dogs increase the number of fliers who get expedited screening. It requires an application and $85 fee for five years.
