Last edit by: dayone
Port of Seattle map of security checkpoints.
DL thread on the issue:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/delta...times-sea.html
DL thread on the issue:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/delta...times-sea.html
AS says to arrive early at SEA
#61
Join Date: Oct 2015
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Thanks everyone! Went though Pre at Checkpoint #3 tonight at around 6pm, entering behind the Southwest counters and no one else in line other than some none Pre that got redirected into the general line. Saw people through corridors at either Checkpoint #4 or 5 but didn't look closely to see how clogged they were or the general #3 line.
#63
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: SEA, FLL, Martha’s Vineyard
Programs: AS MVPGold75K, Hilton Gold, IHG Platinum, Pan Am million-miler
Posts: 2,019
Yeah, what is going on? Why have the security lines at SEA suddenly gone crazy? They were never great, but now they've been worst than I've ever seen in 18 years of frequent flying out of SEA.
#64
2 weeks ago, when I flew out of Seatac at ~8am, I stood in line for 1 hr at Checkpoint #2. The line at Checkpoint #3 was so long, I couldn't even see where it ended. I chalked it up to Spring Break. But now, I have no idea what's going on anymore. It seems like the new normal?
#65
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Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: SEA, FLL, Martha’s Vineyard
Programs: AS MVPGold75K, Hilton Gold, IHG Platinum, Pan Am million-miler
Posts: 2,019
2 weeks ago, when I flew out of Seatac at ~8am, I stood in line for 1 hr at Checkpoint #2. The line at Checkpoint #3 was so long, I couldn't even see where it ended. I chalked it up to Spring Break. But now, I have no idea what's going on anymore. It seems like the new normal?
#66
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Sunny Seattle
Programs: AS MVPG 75K, HH Diamond
Posts: 539
The Port is starting to evaluate if they should replace TSA with private contractors, as is done at SFO and MCO: http://www.kiro7.com/news/sea-tac-ai...rity/200091933
It's not just Sea-Tac either, ATL and MSP are considering the same moves for the same general reasons.
It's not just Sea-Tac either, ATL and MSP are considering the same moves for the same general reasons.
#67
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It seems like there's something different about how they are clearing baggage. When I went thru last week, it was the same story as the past few times - each bag was getting ~20-30 seconds of attention from the screener, switching thru different "modes" on the display. People were waiting in line to push their bags thru, not for any other part of the process.
Did SEA fail some TSA screening test?
(I went thru Checkpoint 2 on Wednesday around 5pm and it was about 45 minutes, using the Premium line; 3 had a huge line...)
Did SEA fail some TSA screening test?
(I went thru Checkpoint 2 on Wednesday around 5pm and it was about 45 minutes, using the Premium line; 3 had a huge line...)
#68
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS MM, MVPGold100k, Hilton Diamond, Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 1,475
Interesting data point in the Kiro 7 story about the number of lanes open at SEA:
"Of the 32 security lanes at Sea-Tac, 17 or 19 of them are open. On the busiest day, 21 are open."
I shudder to think what the lines will be like once cruise season starts. It is not just the sheer numbers of people, its that by far, most will not have a clue and no matter which line they are in, they will slow that line down. Combine that with newer TSA personnel that have a tough time understanding what they are viewing on the monitors as the luggage goes through it will be a mess
"Of the 32 security lanes at Sea-Tac, 17 or 19 of them are open. On the busiest day, 21 are open."
I shudder to think what the lines will be like once cruise season starts. It is not just the sheer numbers of people, its that by far, most will not have a clue and no matter which line they are in, they will slow that line down. Combine that with newer TSA personnel that have a tough time understanding what they are viewing on the monitors as the luggage goes through it will be a mess
#69
Join Date: Sep 2005
Programs: Northwest, United
Posts: 3,256
Yeah, it's gotten really crazy bad, and people have noticed. I can't help but wonder if that was the point. Senators have weighed in, demanding action. Port exploring options to replace TSA with some contractors. Agree it's going to get worse. Not good.
#70
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The Port is starting to evaluate if they should replace TSA with private contractors, as is done at SFO and MCO: http://www.kiro7.com/news/sea-tac-ai...rity/200091933
It's not just Sea-Tac either, ATL and MSP are considering the same moves for the same general reasons.
It's not just Sea-Tac either, ATL and MSP are considering the same moves for the same general reasons.
#71
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: UA 1K, Delta PM, AA EXP, Marriott AMB, IHG Gold
Posts: 448
The Port is starting to evaluate if they should replace TSA with private contractors, as is done at SFO and MCO: http://www.kiro7.com/news/sea-tac-ai...rity/200091933
It's not just Sea-Tac either, ATL and MSP are considering the same moves for the same general reasons.
It's not just Sea-Tac either, ATL and MSP are considering the same moves for the same general reasons.
#72
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Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: SEA, FLL, Martha’s Vineyard
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I say go private. Private companies who actually have to report to someone, and are liable for long line will have to answer to someone, whereas TSA can do as they please. Private companies have incentive to do a good job because otherwise they get the ax. TSA staff doesn't care how long you have to stay in line. Whose gonna fire them?
#73
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Seattle
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Posts: 1,475
I say go private. Private companies who actually have to report to someone, and are liable for long line will have to answer to someone, whereas TSA can do as they please. Private companies have incentive to do a good job because otherwise they get the ax. TSA staff doesn't care how long you have to stay in line. Whose gonna fire them?
#74
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Queens!
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I'd think that the contract(s) with the private security company/companies would specify staffing levels (and that the airport wouldn't sign if they couldn't reach a staffing and price arrangement that they liked.)
#75
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Theoretically a private company might also be more agile to change staffing levels in response to flux in daily/hourly pax loads than TSA.