Stories of hours-long snaking lines at the nation’s airports have fuelled a big surge in applications for the government’s expedited airport screening programs.
However, perhaps unsurprisingly, it has resulted in even longer waits to get approved.
It is taking weeks to secure an appointment for a short in-person interview required to get enrolled on the PreCheck and Global Entry programs.
Despite an increase in the number of enrolment centers, many said there were no free slots for more than a month, according to media reports.
However in some smaller metro areas passengers have reported processing has been relatively smooth with minimal wait times.
The number of application more than tripled from just a few months earlier to 16,000 in May.
According to the AP, a quick check showed there were no free appointment times for Global Entry applications in San Francisco until November.
The TSA acknowledges there are major disparities across the country.
"It is frustrating. Explore the regional areas and see what’s available," urged John Sammon, TSA chief marketing officer.
