US airports at Thanksgiving facing ‘teeth-grinding clogs’

Wednesday, 06 Nov, 2006 0

US air travelers this Thanksgiving can expect packed airports, possibly long lines and confusion over Transportation Security Administration (TSA) rules, according to media reports this week.

Mere hold-ups so far could turn into a “teeth-grinding clog” at Thanksgiving, as the Dallas Morning News put it. That’s particularly the case because many infrequent travelers may be flying for the first time since liquids were banned from carry-on luggage in August.

“We’re going to see a number of passengers who are not well-versed in the new security,” said a TSA spokesperson.

More than 25 million passengers are expected to travel globally on US airlines during the upcoming Thanksgiving season that runs from 17 November to 28 November. Airlines expect a three percent increase in passengers over last year. Planes are expected to be 80% full over the holiday, according to the Air Transport Association ATA).

Said ATA President and CEO James May:

“Airports will be packed and at times lines could be long, so it’s critical that passengers understand what to expect, especially given the new security measures.”

The new carry-on rules for liquids have already increased security lines.

At the Atlanta airport, the world’s busiest in terms of passengers, average wait times have increased from more than 18 minutes to 23 minutes. Delays have jumped from 14 to more than 21 minutes at another busy airport, O’Hare in Chicago, says the TSA.

But the worst may be yet to come.

TSA officials say they are concerned over long delays increasing significantly over the holiday season.

“We’re very worried about Thanksgiving. We know there will be a lot of infrequent travelers, so we’re doing everything we can to get the word out,” said a TSA spokesperson.

Report by David Wilkening

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