First two hours, now three hours-this is how far in advance authorities are recommending people show up to catch a domestic flight, at least at some major U. S. airports with increasingly massive securities lines.
Americans are willing to tolerate time-consuming security protocols in return for increased safety. The crash of Egypt Air Flight 804, which terrorists may have downed over the Mediterranean Sea, provides another tragic reminder of why. But demanding too much of air travels or providing too little security in return undermines public support for the process. And it should: Wasted time is a drag on American’s economic and private lives, not to mention infuriating.
Last year, the Transportation Security Administration （TSA） found in a secret check that undercover investigators were able to sneak weapons—both fake and real一past airport security nearly every time they tried. Enhanced security measures since then, combined with a rise in airline travel due to the improving economy and low oil prices, have resulted in long waits at major airports such as Chicago’s O' Hare International. It is not yet clear how much more effective airline security has become—but the airlines are obvious.
Part of the issue is that the government did not anticipate the steep increase in airline travel, so the TSA is now rushing to get new screeners on the line. Part of the issue is that airports have only so much room for screening lanes. Another fact may be that more people are trying to overpack their carry - on bags to avoid checked-baggage fees, though the airlines strongly dispute this.
There is one step the USA could take that would not require remodeling airports or rushing to hire: En?roll more people in the PreCheck program. PreCheck is supposed to be a win-win for travelers and the TSA. Passengers who pass a background check are eligible to use expedited screening lanes. This allows the TSA to focus on travels who are higher risk, saving time fo
A.a dramatic reduction of its scale
B.its wrongly-directed implementation
C.the governments reluctance to back it
D.an unreasonable price for enrollment