Hudson says telling people to show up earlier won’t help either, adding longer lines pose the biggest security threat.
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They have zeroed in on a 2013 budget bill in which Congress raised security fees on airline tickets and ordered the Homeland Security Department to set aside $12.6 billion over 10 years to reduce the deficit, including $1.25 billion this year.
The TSA is planning on sending more agents to various airports to help with the crush of passengers, but Markey believes this is not just about staffing.
“That decision has come home to roost”, said Nick Calio, president of the airline trade group.
CBS4’s Kelly Werthmann spoke with travelers at Denver International Airport and found a few who agree with TSA.
And on Tuesday, DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson said the agency has asked airlines “to consider possibly eliminating the checked baggage fee to encourage people to check their luggage rather than putting it in the carry on”.
Restovich said the $85 to $100 application fee, which covers five years of the program, is too high of a price point for many travelers.
The airline industry has put pressure on TSA to boost its staff at airports across the country.
Ninety full-time equivalent temporary private contractors hired by Seattle-Tacoma International Airport start work on Monday, and will be on duty through September helping to manage security check lines.
Restovich said both strategies can be effective, as could others.
Twenty-two airports now have private screening companies that operate checkpoint screening under TSA’s Screening Partnership Program, which requires compliance with all existing TSA security screening procedures. Airport officials reported a almost 10 percent growth over the past 12 months.
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The airport is spending more than $3 million to hire private contractors to make sure passengers are ready for security screening.
