The Transportation Security Administration isn't taking its rough week lying down. After two major airports threatened to dump the agency over the long lines it generates, the TSA responded by shifting the blame to unprepared travelers.
A statement noted, "Passenger preparedness can have a significant impact on wait times at security checkpoints nationwide." It also blamed staff cutbacks.
This week, travelers used #IHateTheWait to document horrendous lines at airports in New York, Atlanta, San Francisco and other cities.
And Joseph Sitt, chairman of New York airport consumer advocacy group Global Gateway Alliance, said, "Blaming passengers won’t solve the problem of unconscionably long security lines at our airports. ... TSA needs to address the issue head-on to avoid a real crisis during the busy summer travel season."
Congress didn't go easy on the struggling agency, either. During a hearing Thursday, Florida Rep. John Mica told TSA officials: "You cannot recruit, you cannot train, you cannot retain, and you cannot administrate. It is just a huge, failing government program."
But Congress did approve the TSA's request to reallocate $34 million of its budget toward cutting down wait times. The money reportedly will be spent on new hires and overtime pay.
The Department of Homeland Security said Friday airports are always busier during the summer travel season. This year's crowds are expected to be worse than usual thanks to unusually low ticket prices.
This video includes images from Getty Images.
