Washington – Facing a growing backlash over extremely long airport security lines, Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson and Transportation Security Administration Administrator Peter Neffenger will address the upcoming summer travel season Friday afternoon and what steps they’re taking to alleviate waits.
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Fliers across the country have been facing growing lines, which during peak hours have topped 90 minutes at some airports. The TSA has fewer screeners and has tightened security procedures. Meanwhile, more people are flying.
Airlines have been warning customers to arrive at the airport two hours in advance, but now even that might not be enough.
In the past three years, the number of front-line screeners went from 47,147 to 42,525 in anticipation that an expedited screening program called PreCheck would speed lines. However, not enough travelers have enrolled.