TSA Security Causing Long Airport Lines

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — New checkpoint agents are directing Charlotte passengers throughout the day in an effort to stay ahead.

“This place was all backed up by about 25-30 minutes longer than normal,” says passenger Scott Nichols.

Nichols and his wife, like other passengers, are enduring delays and hour-long waits in security at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

TSA confirms staffing has gone down by 10% in the past three years due to budget approved by Congress. Add that to a 15% increase in passengers.

The TSA Union says the agency needs to hire 6,000 employees to fully staff security lines.

“Looking ahead of me is not too promising. I have to catch a connecting flight here so just fingers crossed to get through in time,” says David Henry, another passenger at Charlotte Douglas.

To relieve the issue, Department of Homeland Security says TSA plans to add 768 security officers starting next month.

TSA is offering overtime to those already here to shorten lines.

TSA also wants you to sign up with the agency’s pre-check option so you can go to a quicker line.

“They do a background check on you and then I just make sure that you’re OK to be on the shorter line. You don’t to take your laptop out of your bag or take your shoes off it just makes everything quicker,” says Dalton Suprina.

The TSA has moves its priority and pre-check lanes to spread passengers to checkpoints across the airport.

Nichols arrived two and a half hours early- and warns others to do the same.