SECURITY HECK Hate the wait

Posted on 05/24/2016 | About San Diego, California

It is a serious problem, crazy long line-ups at security at American airports. The economy is strong and ticket prices are low so people are travelling. But TSA is grossly understaffed, so some people are getting into security checkpoint queues for literally hours; only to miss their flights. Yet, in any way does that situation make you think to yourself, “I wonder if these airports should get some clowns?”

Airports across the border are implementing unique solutions to address the painfully long security line-ups. The San Diego International Airport is hoping to turn frowns upside down with circus performers. 

To be sure, no one is happier than I am to see a man with a bulbous nose riding a unicycle. But I can’t see forgetting that I have missed my flight because I have a balloon animal in my hand. (Unless it was a monkey in a palm tree. That would be awesome). 

Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is bringing in miniature therapy horses. Sadly, when they say miniature they mean the size of ponies, not like the mini liquor bottles you get on an airplane. 

Denver International Airport hands out chocolates, lollipops and bottled water.

If the intent is to distract passengers so they won’t be cognizant of the length of time they are waiting, that won’t fly (pardon the pun) for those in jeopardy of missing flights. 

TSA has reduced its staff numbers by 10% over the past three years anticipating the popularity of the expedited screening programme called PreCheck, which offers vetted passengers to clear security without removing their shoes, belts and jackets. 

But the enrollment numbers are disappointing. PreCheck is unpopular because interested members have to go to the airport for an interview, then pay about $85 every five years, and some budget airlines are not participating yet. 

There have been cases of carriers holding flights for people, an expensive proposition, or passengers missing their flights, so the carriers have found another way to turn some frowns upside down. 

Airlines for Americans have asked people to share their images of waiting in security line- ups on social media with #ihatethewait. They are suggesting that uploading images of massive queues will benefit the TSA and their fellow passengers. 

Now that’s clever, because the images don’t help the TSA as much shame them and I’m pretty confident that instead of helping fellow passengers (which does have an altruistic ring to it) it will in fact rally angry travellers. 

I apologize if this comment is too severe, but at some point even a chocolate mint won’t calm a rage.