TSA Issues Impacting Travel Times and Trip Connections for Spring Break
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) - If you have plans to fly in the next few weeks, you may encounter more than just Spring Break crowds.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has been impacted by a partial government shutdown through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
At the Santa Barbara Airport passengers have been advised to be aware of this on their departure and as they go forward and return from their flights, for as long as this problem exists. It varies by the passenger load and the airports.
The mood was positive in Santa Barbara for both passengers departing and arriving, with a smooth flow and no serious impacts at this terminal.
According to CNN, security checkpoints at airports nationwide are now experiencing longer-than-usual wait times.
The partial shutdown started in mid-February. Senate Democrats want changes to the DHS before approving more money to the department. DHS is embroiled in controversial actions nationwide with its immigration enforcement policy.
The nation is also dealing with a see-saw weather pattern and that includes ice, rain and snow in some parts of the country – also responsible for flight delays.
Adam Rothstein is a traveler that came in from Detroit. He said, "the lines were a little long, it's Spring Break season but this morning at the Detroit Airport I had a flight at 8 a.m. the lines were a little longer than they are normally ."
Another passenger thawed out from the chill of the East Coast as she came west and landed in 90 degree weather. Her flight was on time but others were waiting for hours. Cairstin Mills said, "at JFK in New York there were a lot of people sleeping who had gotten there yesterday and who had flights that were cancelled."
Getting set to go back to Cleveland after a stay in Ventura with a flight out of Santa Barbara one traveler said he was in a plane several times in the last five weeks.
Robin Harbage said, "my general assumption is travel is actually down because people are worried about it so they are traveling less. We have less to fight against so I think that TSA is probably not as well stocked but we don't have to fight against a lot of people." His only delay was with customs when he went out of the country.
As for the TSA agents on the job, one review from Katie Harbage was also without a hitch. "It's been great, the TSA has been wonderful they have been very friendly , they have been very helpful."
UC Santa Barbara student Jack Joblan was looking forward to snowboarding back east and said, he was hoping to avoid delays. "A lot of people are calling out sick and a lot of people with the government shut down are not showing up so it is a little concerning. I have pre check so I hope that works, that's what I am hoping for ."
Leaving any flight issues behind her and heading into the sun or to the beach Mills said, "we landed on time in Salt Lake City and we got the connection and here we are in maybe the most beautiful place in the world. "
The Latest Breaking News, Weather Alerts, Sports and More Anytime On Our Mobile Apps. Keep Up With the Latest Articles by Signing Up for the News Channel 3-12 Newsletter.
