Long lines prompt TSA to ask congress for more money

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The TSA wants to shorten security lines at Charlotte Douglas Airport but it needs help from congress to do it.

Some senators have already signed off on a plan to help hire hundreds of new TSA employees.

The conversation was prompted partially due to complaints about long security waits at Charlotte's airport and a few others across the country. Travelers have complained for months about waits exceeding 30 minutes at security check points.

A few weeks ago, more than 600 spring break passengers missed their flights due to long waits at TSA checkpoints in Charlotte.

At that time, Brent Cagle, who runs the airport, said a reduction in TSA staffing levels may be the cause of long lines.

This week, the TSA asked congress for money to pay for hundreds of new agents and for overtime for TSA workers at high-volume airports.

As the House considers the request, TSA has already moved 28 bomb-sniffing dogs teams to airports with the highest volumes of traffic.

The TSA is also encouraging more people to sign up for pre-check, which allows eligible travelers to go through security more quickly.

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Cox Media Group