Delta, American and
United each are spending up to $4 million for additional staffing at
U.S. airports to help expedite the security screening process.
Since implementing
supplemental staffing at 32 airports in early May, Delta said it has seen a 10%
increase in throughput at Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
lanes, and has allowed TSA to open nearly 30 additional lanes across the U.S.
Delta also said it had
invested nearly $1 million in two additional checkpoint lanes that opened this week at
Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
Delta, American and United also are hiring staff to help with nonsecurity screening functions like
"bin running and line management,”, American said, which frees up TSA
staff to focus on security and open additional checkpoint lanes.
While the airlines have
pledged the additional support to TSA, they have not responded to calls to
eliminate their checked baggage fees, which TSA says is clogging up security
lines as people carry on larger and more bags than ever.
Sens. Edward Markey
(D-Mass.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), sent letters to the 12 major U.S.
airlines urging them to stop charging bag fees this summer to help speed up TSA
security screening.
“It's time for the
airlines to stop prioritizing their bottom line over their customers standing
in line,” the two senators said in a statement.
"Congress must provide TSA with the resources and funding it needs to
ensure passengers can swiftly and safely pass through screening checkpoints.
The airlines must recognize the role that their bag fees play in
increasing wait times. Airlines should suspend their bag fees during this busy
summer travel season.”
This followed a similar
request from Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson.
“We've asked the
airlines to consider possibly eliminating the checked-baggage fee to encourage
people to check their luggage rather than putting it in the carry on,” he
said.