Understaffed TSA Warns Flyers to Be Ready for Crowds This Summer
Photo Credit: Despite preparations, the TSA is warning travelers to be ready for long lines and crowds when they fly this summer. Skift / Edward Russell
Skift Take
The airline industry is expressing outward confidence in its readiness for a surge in summer travel. But even with ample prep, most are also warning of snags ahead, including long waits and extra crowds at airports.
Airports are getting busier and busier with the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) data showing a steady rise in screening numbers to a coronavirus pandemic high of 1.85 million people on Sunday.
And by all forecasts, more travelers will stream through U.S. airports during what could be a busy summer travel season. That has airline, airport and TSA officials all bracing for any potential snags in the flying experience as many people return to the skies for the first time since March 2020.
"A lot of people got accustomed to showing up shortly before their flight before the pandemic," TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein said at an event to demonstrate the agency's preparedness at Baltimore/Washington International Airport on Tuesday. "That’s not going to work anymore.”
From the expected larger crowds — Farbstein did not expect
