Delta, United and American Airlines all raise fears of longer security wait times with ‘chaotic’ TSA change
MAJOR airlines have sounded the alarm over a proposed bill that could throw airport security into total chaos.
The controversial move would limit the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) use of facial recognition tech – which some fear could spark mass airport delays.
GettyAmerican Airlines is one of the companies that has hit back at the proposed change[/caption]
Top carriers Delta, Southwest Airlines, United and American Airlines, have urged the Senate to reject the new legislation when it is presented on Wednesday.
The airlines have also teamed up with U.S Travel and two airport groups and have delivered a strongly worded letter, warning the bill would “increase wait times considerably” and clog up checkpoints nationwide by forcing a return to slower, manual ID checks.
The bill would give passengers the right to opt out of facial scans at airports.
‘Privacy threats’
Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley and Republican John Kennedy, who are behind the bill, have been vocal about what they see as a growing threat to privacy.
Back in May, Kennedy said: “The TSA subjects countless law-abiding Americans to excessive facial recognition screenings as they travel, invading passengers’ privacy without even making it clear that they can opt out of the screening.”
Merkley echoed the sentiment, saying: “Folks don’t want a national surveillance state, but that’s exactly what the TSA’s unchecked expansion of facial recognition technology is leading us to.”
But airline bosses aren’t buying it.
In a scathing response, they branded the bill a “step backward for national security” and warned it would block tech innovations like automated e-gates and touchless ID systems.
They also said it would tie up 75 percent of the TSA’s budget in staffing, instead of moving forward with smarter tech-based solutions.
Industry insiders say this bill could cripple TSA’s ability to move passengers efficiently, potentially creating a “chaotic environment” at every single airport in the country.
High-tech security solutions
This comes after the TSA issued a nationwide call for bold, high-tech solutions to make airport security faster, smarter and safer.
The TSA put out the call on Friday in Washington via a post on SAM.gov.
The agency is urging companies to put forward ready-to-use solutions that blend cutting-edge technology with streamlined checkpoint design.
These solutions should aim to cut down wait times, improve passenger flow, and strengthen aviation security – all while delivering a smoother experience for travellers.
“TSA is constantly looking for innovative private sector solutions to enhance security and improve the passenger experience at TSA checkpoints,” said TSA Acting Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill.
Among the goals set out in the RFI, TSA is keen to see ideas that use artificial intelligence for threat detection, offer remote screening abilities, and make better use of robotics and automation.
These would not only support TSA officers but also help the agency manage staffing challenges and surge events with greater flexibility.
The latest push builds on recent changes announced by Homeland Security Secretary Noem, including the scrapping of the shoe-removal rule – a long-standing point of frustration for many flyers.
Officials say it’s a sign of a new era of smarter travel security.
GettyThe changes could spark longer wait times at airport security[/caption]
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