Long security lines at airports are causing more than just headaches - they're causing passengers to miss flights at an alarming rate.
American Airlines alone said 70,000 people have missed flights this year because of the long lines at TSA checkpoints. Transportation and airline officials in search of answers testified Thursday at a hearing on Capitol Hill ahead of one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.
One solution already is in the works and is gaining traction: a security express lane.
TSA Pre-check involves biometric technology that identifies a ticketed passenger and lets them bypass the security line. Those eligible for the program receive a "known traveler number" to use when making flight reservations. Participating airlines will print an indicator on their boarding passes.
It's quicker because it doesn't require the removal of shoes, belts, light jackets and laptops, TSA says. The cost: $85.
"It's just like you're at the grocery store. You see the line for 15 items or fewer that's going to go much quicker than the line with somebody who has a huge basket of groceries," says Lisa Farbstein, TSA spokeswoman.
TSA says 15,000 people are signing up for Pre-check every day, Those interested in signing up for Pre-check can find it on TSA's website, TSA.gov. It is available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents, and not all airlines offer it.
