U.S. Travel called on everyone—government, the private sector and the public—to do their part on long security waits. The Big Three are heeding the call.
Travelers at Newark Liberty, Chicago O’Hare and Los Angeles International Airport will reportedly flow through security about 30 percent faster by the end of this year—and they have the Big Three U.S. legacy airlines to thank.
TSA announced yesterday that United Airlines will fund automation technology for airport security checkpoints, following American Airlines and Delta Air Lines’ entry into similar agreements. POLITICO Pro reports that United has agreed to create 17 automated checkpoint lanes at Newark Liberty this fall, and several more at Chicago O’Hare and LAX sometime later this year.
These new lanes will divert items that need further screening so that the line isn’t held up, use bigger x-ray bins and automatically return empty bins to the start of screening lines. Automating these steps will give TSA agents more time to focus on security, and less on routine tasks, while processing passengers significantly faster.
When airport security lines were in full-blown crisis at the beginning of this summer travel season, U.S. Travel prescribed more and better technology and for non-government entities to step up. It’s encouraging that the Big Three are helping to make those things happen. We have had our differences with the major airlines, but we give credit where credit is due.