American Airlines to TSA: Lines Are Too Long

LOS ANGELES, CA -- Going through security check is easily one of the most time-consuming, and at times, frustrating part of flying, and the airlines agree.

American Airlines is joining a growing list of Transportation Security Administration critics over the long wait time and shortage of screeners after nearly 6,800 of its passengers missed their flights during Spring Break last month.

"The lines at TSA checkpoints nationwide have become unacceptable,” American spokesman Ross Feinstein said in a statement to NBC on Wednesday. “The result: our customers are waiting in TSA lines greater than one hour.”

One of the hubs with the longest delays last month was LAX, according to the airlines. Airports in Miami, Atlanta, Dallas and Philadelphia also had significant delays.

The TSA is under strain from several angles. They are facing possible staff cuts to deal with budget reductions. At the same, there are calls for increased security in the wake of the terrorist attack at the Brussels airport.

More Americans are flying now compared to last year, partly due to the growing economy and the low cost of flying, according to the trade group Airlines for America.

In particular, American Airlines saw the number of its passengers increased nearly 2 percent last month compared to the same period last year, according to its earning report.

With the first quarter of the year typically a slow period for the airlines, American is concerned the problem would only exacerbate in the coming busy season.

“As we approach spring and summer, we are concerned that these lines will grow even longer,” Feinstein said.

American isn't alone in its concern, Brent Cagle, the director for the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, sent a letter to the TSA airing his frustration over the delays.

During Good Friday last month, the start of the Spring Break travel time, 600 people missed their flights there because of long wait times, sometimes stretching to upwards of three hours, at TSA checkpoints, he said.

Some airports around the country are considering getting rid of the TSA and hiring private security contractors.

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