Some passengers have missed their flights and others have reported hours-long waits to get through security at the Tallahassee airport.
David Pollard is director of aviation at the airport. He says the slowdown has come as the Transportation Security Administration, or TSA, has worked over the last two weeks to install new screening equipment. But, he said Friday afternoon the new machines were installed and ready.
“Just actually minutes ago. So, we are now working with the Transportation Security Administration to commission that second machine and they’ll be bringing it online over the course of the next hour or so," Pollard said. "It will be in use here for the travelers during some of our peak times, early morning is usually some of our peak times here, just in time for the weekend travel.”
Pollard says lines will continue to be slower for a while as the TSA workers learn the new equipment and he says the number of people flying right now is up, which is adding to the lines as well. He recommends passengers plan to arrive at the airport early.
“We’re going to say at least two hours," Pollard said. "We would prefer that they would show up at the airport at least two hours before their scheduled departure time so that they again have plenty of time to allow for parking, ticketing and processing through the security checkpoint and get to that gate in plenty of time so they don’t have a stressful experience. We want the best experience for our travelers as possible.”
Pollard said the best way to get up-to-date information on flights and estimated times to arrive at the airport is to check with the airline.
He highlights the latest project as part of the city’s commitment to a positive and safe travel experience.
