The TSA says it’s not blaming passengers for long lines, but adds being ready for security is one piece of the puzzle which could solve the problem. TSA has a monopoly on airport security.
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The reason: low airfare prices and a recovering economy are pushing more people to fly while TSA staffing has been cut.
“After getting tipped upside down at the ticket counter every time they check a bag, passengers then have to wait in excruciatingly long security lines that are caused in part by people seeking to avoid paying high bag fees”, he argued. JFK Airport has hired temporary staff that will start this week at Terminal 4 to help improve the delays. Though these efforts are created to keep passengers safe in the air, they also cause long delays at airports and frustration among the very people they’re supposed to protect.
Neffenger said on Monday that a new leadership team has been put in place at O’Hare supported by screening experts from airports across the country, according to NBC.
The average wait time during peak travel times in the morning and early evening are less than 30 minutes at Bradley, according to the Executive Director of the Connecticut Airport Authority, Kevin Dillon.
Neffenger said travelers could see long security lines throughout the summer, as airlines expect a record number of air travel this year.
“It would give immediate relief at checkpoints, not just here but all across the country, it is time for airlines to stop prioritizing their bottom line over their customers standing in line”, Markey said. With greater awareness that passengers must be protected not only on board airplanes but while crowded in airports waiting to board, it’s crucial that Congress fund the necessary enhanced security measures at proper levels.
“I think I have to pay extra to sign up so I don’t have to wait in those long lines”, passenger Sandra Scott said. The practice was suspended previous year after government auditors found lapses in security.
He stressed that the US can not compromise airport security or relax screening standards just to speed up lines.
Van Eaton also said Southwest’s free checked baggage policy helps reduce the amount of luggage needing to be screened at checkpoints. The remaining dogs are loaned out to state and local law enforcement, but the TSA is working to have them trained to become passenger screeners at airports.
De La Torre said that back in February his agency anticipated a surge in summer travel and hired a dozen new screeners.
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“The transportation security officers do a great job”, said Christopher Bidwell, vice president of security for the Airports Council International-North America, the Washington-based trade group for Newark and other USA airports.
