US: As fliers wait in security lines, govt asks for patience

Facing a growing backlash over extremely long waits at airport security, Homeland Security secretary Jeh Johnson asked fliers "to be patient" as the govt takes steps to get them onto planes more quickly. Travellers across the country have endured lengthy security lines, some snaking up and down escalators, or through food courts, and into terminal lobbies. At some airports, lines during peak hours have topped 90 minutes. Airlines have reported holding planes at gates to wait for passengers to clear security. Johnson said Friday that the govt is working to ease the lines, although travellers should expect to wait as they travel this summer. Whatever steps TSA takes, Johnson said, it won't neglect its duty to stop terrorists. Airlines are expecting a record number of fliers this summer. <br/>