Understaffed TSA warns flyers to be ready for crowds this summer

Airports are getting busier and busier with the US TSA data showing a steady rise in screening numbers to a coronavirus pandemic high of 1.85m people on Sunday. And by all forecasts, more travelers will stream through US airports during what could be a busy summer travel season. That has airline, airport and TSA officials all bracing for any potential snags in the flying experience as many people return to the skies for the first time since March 2020. “A lot of people got accustomed to showing up shortly before their flight before the pandemic,” TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein said at an event to demonstrate the agency’s preparedness at Baltimore/Washington International Airport on Tuesday. “That’s not going to work anymore.” From the expected larger crowds — Farbstein did not expect screening numbers to reach 2019 levels this summer — and new Covid-19 safety precautions, security could take longer this summer. New precautions include plexiglass dividers between travelers and TSA officers who check IDs, and more frequent cleanings of equipment and bins. On the key issue of staffing, Farbstein reiterated previous comments that the TSA is “fully staffed” for current demand. The agency plans to hire 6,000 new agents by the end of September, a goal it will be halfway to by the beginning of June. No matter the preparations, most — including the TSA — are still warning travelers to be ready. Longer than normal waits and crowds are expected when flying this summer. <br/>