Atlanta Airport to TSA: Speed Up Security Checkpoints or Pack Your Bags

A Delta plane in Atlanta

Citing a wait time of 52 minutes at a TSA security checkpoint, the general manager of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport told the head of the Transportation Security Administration to significantly speed up operations or be replaced by a private firm.

Miguel Southwell, who runs the airport, didn’t mince words in a letter sent to Peter Neffenger, who runs the TSA, on February 12.

Citing significant understaffing dating back to 2015 and the prospect of a far busier summer flying season this year, Southwell told the TSA to improve in the next 60 days or be replaced by a “qualified private contractor.”

The story was first reported by an Atlanta television station, WSB.

At press time, the TSA had not yet responded to a request to comment.

(Photo: Accura Media Group)