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TSA, OIA brace for long security lines of summer travel

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TSA, OIA brace for long security lines of summer travel
Brace yourself for a summer travel season that could deliver plenty of turbulence before you get on the plane.WESH 2 News is taking a look at major slow-downs at airport security lines.Security checkpoints at Orlando International are, in a word: Ridiculous.Staffing appears oddly placed at times. We found an especially busy check-point, in which four of the 12 lanes were closed. But on the other side, it was not busy, and we saw more than a dozen TSA workers standing around.It gives travelers the perception screening at oia is not as traveler-friendly as it should be."I think it's outrageous! I think for the prices you are paying to fly you should get through the line a little faster," said passenger Destiny Sunde."Every now and then it does not go perfectly well. It's all about timing," said Jerry Henderson, Jerry Henderson, TSA Federal Security Director.Airlines like American, say it should be better. During spring break in March, 6,800 American passengers missed flights, including nearly 300 in Orlando.TSA claims no one will miss a flight as long as they get to an airport two hours before a domestic flight. But the problem will get worse.Passenger traffic is "taking off," up 12 percent since 2014. But TSA staffing is down 12 since 2011. Why? Congress capped employment at 42,500. That's more than 17,000 less than right after 9/11.To keep those lines moving a little more quickly, TSA may at times tell people to keep their coats on, keep their belts on.They may also at times, have you leave your laptop in your bag.And what about shoes? You might be able to keep THOSE on as you go through the screener line too.How is that possible?This TSA K-9 is specially trained to sniff-out bomb-making material. When the K-9 is on duty... normal rules are relaxed, which DOESN'T doesn't sit well with some."What else are they cutting, to make it faster and easier for them as opposed to safer for us," said passenger Abigail Lake.But TSA promises, the system is safe."Once they go by the K-9 we know that our No. 1 concern, explosives, is not a factor for this crowd coming through behind us," Henderson said.Travelers tell us there's a simpler way to safely move passengers."I understand it's a safety organization. But, having adequate staff to handle the travelers, that's their job right?" said passenger Dustin Lake.Airport officials agree. They're putting heat on TSA, having hired more than two dozen people to make sure government workers are on their toes. And TSA is now begging Congress to approve more overtime and the hiring of more than 750 new screeners, before summer delivers an air meltdown.The TSA recently announced it will also boost the number of travelers eligible for enrollment in its pre-screening program.

Brace yourself for a summer travel season that could deliver plenty of turbulence before you get on the plane.

WESH 2 News is taking a look at major slow-downs at airport security lines.

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Security checkpoints at Orlando International are, in a word: Ridiculous.

Staffing appears oddly placed at times. We found an especially busy check-point, in which four of the 12 lanes were closed. But on the other side, it was not busy, and we saw more than a dozen TSA workers standing around.

It gives travelers the perception screening at oia is not as traveler-friendly as it should be.

"I think it's outrageous! I think for the prices you are paying to fly you should get through the line a little faster," said passenger Destiny Sunde.

"Every now and then it does not go perfectly well. It's all about timing," said Jerry Henderson, Jerry Henderson, TSA Federal Security Director.

Airlines like American, say it should be better. During spring break in March, 6,800 American passengers missed flights, including nearly 300 in Orlando.

TSA claims no one will miss a flight as long as they get to an airport two hours before a domestic flight. But the problem will get worse.

Passenger traffic is "taking off," up 12 percent since 2014. But TSA staffing is down 12 since 2011. Why? Congress capped employment at 42,500. That's more than 17,000 less than right after 9/11.

To keep those lines moving a little more quickly, TSA may at times tell people to keep their coats on, keep their belts on.

They may also at times, have you leave your laptop in your bag.

And what about shoes? You might be able to keep THOSE on as you go through the screener line too.

How is that possible?

This TSA K-9 is specially trained to sniff-out bomb-making material. When the K-9 is on duty... normal rules are relaxed, which DOESN'T doesn't sit well with some.

"What else are they cutting, to make it faster and easier for them as opposed to safer for us," said passenger Abigail Lake.

But TSA promises, the system is safe.

"Once they go by the K-9 we know that our No. 1 concern, explosives, is not a factor for this crowd coming through behind us," Henderson said.

Travelers tell us there's a simpler way to safely move passengers.

"I understand it's a safety organization. But, having adequate staff to handle the travelers, that's their job right?" said passenger Dustin Lake.

Airport officials agree. They're putting heat on TSA, having hired more than two dozen people to make sure government workers are on their toes. And TSA is now begging Congress to approve more overtime and the hiring of more than 750 new screeners, before summer delivers an air meltdown.

The TSA recently announced it will also boost the number of travelers eligible for enrollment in its pre-screening program.