The TSA Might Join 21st Century with Security Line Wait-Time via App

There’s nothing quite like the maddening dullness of standing in the security line at Cleveland Hopkins (or any airport) at 6:46 a.m., wondering whether the hell you’ll make it to Gate Kill-Me-Now on time. The TSA has pledged to increase its staffing, but, still, the harrowing uncertainty remains.

But not for long! The TSA is going to begin recording and publishing the wait times in security lines at the country’s major airports. This real-time data will be available on the TSA’s website and app.

“I don’t see why Cleveland wouldn’t be part of it,” a TSA spokesman told The Plain Dealer‘s Susan Glaser, who compares the program to wait-time data published for customers at, e.g., Disney World. 

The news comes amid what seems to be a growing national frustration with security wait times in airports all over the U.S. The PD has been compiling reader annoyances and offering advice for how to deal with the insanity of early-morning TSA woes. The security checkpoint problem is getting worse, and we’re heading into a busy holiday weekend.

The TSA wait-time data is expected to be available until next month, so Memorial Day weekend will surely come with its fair share of hullabaloo. But summer promises many opportunities for travel, and this TSA news might be just the thing to ease your mind.

Also next month: Cleveland Hopkins construction should be winding down for good. 

This article appears in May 25-31, 2016.