Fliers frustrated with long lines at O'Hare, Midway
CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) - The long lines are wrapping around both of Chicago’s airports.
The Transportation Security Administration has a plan to fix it, but it could cost passengers and the federal government.
“I got up at 4 o'clock this morning and I'm here 3 hours early. And I'm not sure I'm actually going to make my flight,” said Stacy who is moving to London.
She’s not alone. Passengers are being forced to arrive three to four hours before their flights just so they can make it past the never-ending snake of a security line.
At O’Hare, American Airlines is now working with the TSA by sending its employees to the lines to remind people of the basics, such as taking off your shoes or taking out your laptops.
"We think if we can employ people to do that, then TSA can focus on their sole responsibility to just screening passengers and baggage,” said Leslie Scott of American Airlines.
So, why are we seeing these issues now?
First, the TSA doesn't have as many screeners and says it could use more funding to hire hundreds of more screeners.
"There's also the potential theory that TSA is trying to force the public into their pre-check program by allowing the lines to grow longer,” said aviation expert and attorney Jared Schneider.
The pre-check program requires a background check, your fingerprints are taken and it costs $85 to enroll.
A potential solution, Schneider say, is the airlines can help by giving up baggage fees.
"Checked baggage fees were put into place by soaring gas prices and given the change in that dynamic, it's probably time for them to eliminate those fees now,” Schneider said.
Until then, passengers will have to continue to arrive hours early or deal with the consequences.
"If I miss this flight, I might lose my job,” Stacy added.
The best times to fly, experts say, is usually Sundays or during the mid-week afternoon.
Although, that standard was challenged Sunday at O’Hare. For now, it's recommended to arrive up to three hours before your flight.