Long TSA Lines Account for More Missed Flights
Joe Cortez June 28, 2018
Despite the Transportation Security Administration promises to hire more staff and increase screening efficiency this summer, flyers are still complaining they are missing flights because of long security checkpoint lines. A recent survey suggests one in seven are left behind by airlines because of the waits.
Since their inception in 2001, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has changed every aspect of commercial aviation. But the one thing that hasn’t changed change is the long lines flyers go through to enter the secure zone.
These are the takeaways from a recent survey commissioned by Capital One. To better understand flyers’ experiences with the TSA, ORC International surveyed over 1,000 people about airport security – focusing specifically on lines and checkpoint etiquette.
The most shocking takeaway was the number of flyers who have missed at least one flight due to long checkpoint lines. 14 percent of all flyers, or one in seven, missed a flight in line. Among millennials, that number doubles: 28 percent of young flyers say they couldn’t catch a flight because of lines.
This isn’t to say that millennials aren’t preparing to get through the checkpoint quickly and efficiently. Approximately four out of five young professionals say the TSA impacts every aspect of their airport experience, from packing to dress code and when they arrive at the airport.
Overall, nearly two-thirds of passengers dress for success at the checkpoint (including wearing slip-off shoes) and packing to effectively take out liquids and laptop computers. Moreover, 63 percent of those asked say they arrive early knowing they will have to beat the checkpoint lines.
Flyers’ renewed complaints about the TSA comes after the agency announced a hiring spree to efficiently handle the estimated 239 million passengers traveling between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Their plans include adding 1,000 agents before the height of summer and using 50 more passenger screening canine teams nationwide.
Despite the frustration of working with the TSA, the checkpoints aren’t deterring flyers from taking to the skies. OF all those asked, 62 percent of all flyers and 74 percent of flyers with children at home say are happier and more fulfilled from traveling.
[Photo: Shutterstock]
TSA indignities and long lines are why I take the train or drive myself on trips if it's possible. Flying is so unpleasant, wastes so much time and energy, I avoid it. Of course that's not always possible, so if I must fly, I have to allow myself an extra few hours, often wasting full days just to get to the airport and through security. And every time we turn around, there's some new rule, guideline or procedure, new perceived danger must be addressed. If we don't comply immediately, we're scolded and insulted. Worse, not all TSA agents know their own rules.