Newark Passengers Growing Tired Of 'Outrageous' Security Lines
NEWARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork)-- Every air traveler is familiar with that sinking feeling you get when facing painfully long security lines.
That was the case at Newark Liberty International Airport Friday morning as a maddening shuffle made its way toward the TSA checkpoint at Terminal C, the line snaking down halls and up stairs, far out of sight of the security area, leaving hundreds wondering if they'd even make their flights.
"The security lines are terrible here, always are," Sue Woodard, a Newark passenger, told CBS2's Steve Langford.
To allow time for screening, the TSA recommends travelers arrive at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight.
"I get people coming screaming at me on social media that are just so frustrated about this particular airport," Sen. Corey Booker said.
On Capitol Hill this week, Booker made his case to the head of Homeland Security to reduce lines that look like something out of the Soviet Union in the 1970s.
"Can't we do something to alleviate this outrageous problem angering people at Newark?" Booker said.
"One of the things you can say to your constituents, senator, is you know, join TSA PreCheck for shorter lines." Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson replied.
TSA PreCheck, an expedited security screening program available for a fee, may or may not be the answer to these mind-numbing lines.
"There are some times when you're standing there for quite some time, but it's been a long time since I've done that because I definitely use the PreCheck," Chris Wade, a Newark passenger, told CBS2.
The TSA tells CBS2, "The recent increases are caused by the rapid growth in travel volume combined with a renewed emphasis on rigorous screening following testing that showed unacceptable results."