DHS To Airlines: Waive Baggage Fees To Reduce Wait Times

DHS To Airlines: Waive Baggage Fees To Reduce Wait Times

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In the case of unbearably long queues for security checks in America’s airports, there is plenty of blame to go around. Both cuts to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staff and the summer upsurge in air travel have contributed to the problem. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has now come up with a solution that is sure to please passengers. DHS has advised airlines to waive fees for checked baggage in order to reduce wait time.

“We’ve asked the airlines to consider possibly eliminating the checked baggage fee to encourage people to check their luggage rather than putting it in the carry on,” said  Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson.

The airlines, however, were not receptive to the suggestion. Industry representatives have said that the TSA, which operates under the authority of the DHS, needs to better staff airports with heavy traffic. Further, more effort needs to be made to encourage participation in PreCheck, a TSA programme which aims to reduce wait times by allowing passengers to undergo part of the screening process before even arriving at the airport.

“This is not a bag fee issue. This model of charging customers for services they value and use is not a new phenomenon. It dates back to 2008. Encouraging passengers to check more bags will not help and would actually exacerbate current checked baggage screening issues that are resulting in passengers missing their connections and having their bags delayed,” said Jean Medina, a spokesperson for Airlines for America, an airline industry group.

For passengers stuck waiting for hours in long queues, this impasse between industry and the federal government will provide little comfort. Until the issue is resolved, waiting times are expected to remain the same.