TSA lines at Hartsfield-Jackson winding through terminal (Atlanta, Rome: low cost, airports)

[fieldm]

Originally Posted by coolieandre

So apparently the GM of Atlanta Airport was fired. Long lines aren't 100% to blame. What do ya'll think are some of the other reasons? Btw...He was fired by Mayor Kasim Reed.

Long lines.

Cant f up Atlanta main source of revenue

[Atlwarrior]

Sound like a shady reason, how can he be responsible for long lines if the TSA falls under federal government.

[ElleKaye]

Originally Posted by coolieandre

So apparently the GM of Atlanta Airport was fired. Long lines aren't 100% to blame. What do ya'll think are some of the other reasons? Btw...He was fired by Mayor Kasim Reed.

I have no real clue, but it usually has something to do with money/misappropiation of funds.

Fortunately, I have not had to fly anywhere in a while so I have not seen what's going on first hand, but somebody is lying. We've got people in this thread saying the lines are not long and people on the news saying the lines are ridiculously long. The people on the news have pictures to prove their point though.

I don't know what the issue is or was in the south terminal, but it sounds like a project that was horribly mismanaged.

[wasel]

Originally Posted by ElleKaye

I have no real clue, but it usually has something to do with money/misappropiation of funds.

Fortunately, I have not had to fly anywhere in a while so I have not seen what's going on first hand, but somebody is lying. We've got people in this thread saying the lines are not long and people on the news saying the lines are ridiculously long. The people on the news have pictures to prove their point though.

I don't know what the issue is or was in the south terminal, but it sounds like a project that was horribly mismanaged.

The AJC airport tracker this morning shows that while domestic south remains closed, the other lanes are only running 15-30 minutes, which I don't buy at all. This tracker could really screw people up.

I don't think the wait times are the reason for the firing. We were warned at the start of the project that delays might be severe. So that was expected.

[fieldm]

Changes accompany reopening of Atlanta airport security checkpoint | WSB-TV

[ATLTJL]

As an occasional flyer, I have a few thoughts on this. I'm no expert, so please tell me what you all think.

1) I can't comprehend why airlines charge to check bags but one carry-on is free. To me, this should be opposite: checked bags are free, and you have to pay $50 to carry a bag on. This would encourage checked bags which would not only make boarding planes faster, there would also be many fewer bags to go through security checks and that line would move faster.

2) They need more "pre-stage" and "post-stage" areas near security. How often have you been stuck behind someone taking off their belt, emptying their pockets, etc? How often have you been that person? It's not your fault...there aren't suitable places before security to do this. There should be a reserved area where you can take everything out of your pockets, remove belts and watches, etc. before you ever get into line. Similarly, there should be more areas to get rearranged when you exit.

3) Over the past year, I have flown to New York, Orlando, Rome and London....none of these airports make you take off your shoes anymore. Why are we still engaging in this ridiculousness because one idiot tried to set his shoes on fire like 15 years ago? If the full body scanner can see through my clothes, can't it see through my shoes, too? I don't pretend to know all the tech stuff, all I know is that other airports have figured out how to not do this anymore, and security in London was MUCH stricter than Atlanta (I got searched for stuff in my bag that flew through ATL security with no problem). It really makes the line take a long time because most people put their shoes in a bin of their own, tying up the conveyor belt.

4) Make a special line for people with no laptops. Removing your laptop from a bag is time consuming, plus you have to put it in its own bin. I say, create one or more lines exclusively for people who aren't traveling with laptops.

I finally gave up on all this and am going through Global Entry, which comes with TSA pre-check. I should have it next month. It costs $100, but last 5 years. Even as infrequently as I fly, I think it will be worth it to not have to take off my shoes or remove my laptop. Although, last time I went to the airport, the pre-check line was actually longer than the regular one.

[fieldm]

I hope the next terrorist attack doesnt involve underwear or else we all are going to have to take our underwear off at the checkpoint in the future

[ATLTJL]

Here's my favorite piece ever written on airport security. As relevant today as it was 14 years ago.

The Seanbaby Probe -The Nation that Freaked Out

[sedimenjerry]

Originally Posted by ATLTJL

As an occasional flyer, I have a few thoughts on this. I'm no expert, so please tell me what you all think.

1) I can't comprehend why airlines charge to check bags but one carry-on is free. To me, this should be opposite: checked bags are free, and you have to pay $50 to carry a bag on. This would encourage checked bags which would not only make boarding planes faster, there would also be many fewer bags to go through security checks and that line would move faster.

I know Spirit charges 5 bucks more for a carry on (either way you're paying).
It kinda makes sense charging for checked baggage since that's extra work by the airline. Workers have to tag it, load it, unload it, systems are needed for connecting flights or not, etc. Passengers do all the work with carry ons.

[Big L]

Originally Posted by wasel

The AJC airport tracker this morning shows that while domestic south remains closed, the other lanes are only running 15-30 minutes, which I don't buy at all. This tracker could really screw people up.

I don't think the wait times are the reason for the firing. We were warned at the start of the project that delays might be severe. So that was expected.

I think that the lines may vary depending on the time and day. For example, I flew out on an early Friday morning back and the main checkpoint line was back to the atrium at 5:45am. My next flight out of ATL was on a Friday afternoon and I got through in less than 15 minutes at about 5pm. My wife travels for work and her line times vary depending on when she is leaving (Monday morning vs. Wednesday morning, early morning vs. mid-morning, etc.).


I agree that we were warned before the start of the project. However, lines were long at certain times long before the project started.