Why Airport Lines Are Worse
Airport lines aren’t just about crowds; they’re shaped by staffing, training timelines, and how security is actually run.
The Big Story
Most airport screening is run by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), but about 20 airports use private contractors instead.
TSA has high turnover rates in the double digits, and training new officers can take 2–3 months, limiting how many lanes stay open.
The Two Spins
From the Left
Pay, retention, and working conditions influence how many trained officers stay.
When turnover is high, fewer experienced agents are available, which can slow screening.
From the Right
A private contractor program already exists but is used in a small number of airports.
Expanding or improving that model could increase efficiency and reduce delays.
What This Means for Us
Two airports with similar crowds can feel completely different.
It often comes down to how many trained officers are available and how efficiently each checkpoint is being run that day.
How They Make Money
Covenant runs screening at airports like San Francisco International Airport and Kansas City International Airport through federal contracts funded by the $5.60 security fee built into airline tickets.
Contracts are tied to performance metrics like wait times and staffing, which can impact renewals.
Takeaway
Behind the scenes, airport security is partly a performance-based business, not just a government service.
The Number That Stuck With Me
12
Training a TSA officer can take up to 12 weeks, so staffing gaps don’t get fixed overnight.