American Airlines to Spend $4 Million to Combat Long TSA Wait Times

Tired of the long waits its passengers are facing at many of the nation’s airport security checkpoints, American Airlines said Wednesday it is budgeting $4 million to hire workers to help speed up the lines.

“We will spend additional $4 million to provide contract staff at our U.S. hubs and gateways,” said the airline’s chief operating officer, Robert Isom, in a letter to employees. “The money will fund contract staff to relieve TSA officers from non-screening functions, like bin running and queue management, so that TSA officers can focus solely on the screening and security aspects of their jobs.”

The move follows rising frustrations over interminable wait times at many airports. Several airport managers, including the Port Authority of New York, which manages New York’s three major airports, have threatened to replace the TSA with private screeners as a result.

Thousands of passengers have missed their flights due to long lines and 450 American passengers ended up sleeping at Chicago O’Hare International Airport Sunday night as a result.

For its part, the TSA last week said to hire almost 800 new screeners and also began a push to enroll additional travelers in its PreCheck trusted traveler program.

(Photo: Accura Media Group)