TSA security changes at major US airport spark confusion as flyers are warned of new ‘configuration’ before ID deadline

The TSA has caused chaos at a major US airport after changing up the configuration of security lines.

Travelers were confused while moving through the airport on Monday as they dealt with the switch-up just two days before the TSA is set to enforce the use of REAL IDs.

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Americans are already shaken up by the looming deadline to get a new ID or face delays at the airport.

But travelers at Pittsburgh International Airport are already facing delays thanks to yet another TSA rule change.

During peak morning travel hours, flyers will have to double-check before getting on their usual security lines.

The TSA has switched its PreCheck line to its Clear line from the hours of 4 to 7 am.

Flyers going through PreCheck will now use the general checkpoint during these peak hours.

There is also a separate line for first class, people with disabilities and employees.

Enforcement of the rule new began on Monday and it got off to a rocky start.

“I spoke with probably four different employees who were all really polite, but seemed to be a little confused as well,” flyer Janice Toth told local CBS affiliate KDKA.

Traveler Kevin Parsons complained about the long wait times.

“Usually, you just kind of zip right in,” he said. “I don’t know what happened here.”

Parsons continued: “It’s the longest I’ve ever seen. I’ve had it for like 10 years.”

Flyer Chad Ware added: “No one ever wants to wait 30 minutes or so or 25 minutes after you pay for Clear.”

PreCheck is an expedited security line that travelers pay extra for.

Clear allows travelers who pay even more money to quickly verify their identity with their eyes or fingerprint.

Bob Kerlik, a spokesperson for the airport, explained the TSA’s reasoning for the switch-up.

“In advance of a very busy spring travel season, TSA announced changes last month to the checkpoint configurations that took effect today,” he said.

But, upon the new system’s rollout, wait times were actually much longer than usual for PreCheck and Clear.

“After hearing feedback from passengers this morning, PIT reached out to our TSA partners with that feedback,” Kerlik said.

He added: “We are continuing to work with TSA as their plan evolves to better streamline the passenger experience and assist where appropriate.”

Lisa Farbstein, a TSA spokesperson, suggested that travelers ask for assistance if they end up in the wrong line.

“Often travelers without TSA PreCheck get in the wrong line, so a quick question can resolve that issue,” she said.

But as Toth said, the airport employees also seemed somewhat puzzled by the change.

Toth recalled the responses she got from workers when trying to find the PreCheck line: “I think it’s this way, I don’t know, follow us to the third floor, no, that’s not it, come here, no, you know what, ask that man over there, he might know.”

“Maybe we’re just going through some growing pains,” Parsons suggested.

The U.S Sun has reached out to Pittsburg International Airport for comment.

REAL ID DEADLINE LOOMS

The shake-up at Pittsburgh International Airport comes as Americans scramble to get their REAL IDs before the May 7 deadline.

On and after May 7, travelers will no longer be able to use standard ID cards while boarding domestic flights.

The deadline, along with the busy travel season, has overwhelmed DMVs across the US.

New Jersey has offered qualified DMV customers a way to get their REL IDs expedited, but it costs an extra $80.

And Maine officials recently called on federal officials to give Americans a “mulligan” by considering a phased-in approach for the REAL IDs or by issuing warnings to travelers trying to fly without proper identification after the looming deadline.

But the TSA isn’t budging and if travelers want to avoid long lines at the airport after May 7, they need a REAL ID or another valid form of identification.

A senior TSA official warned travelers without a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to “expect additional screenings” and arrive three hours before their plane departs, in an interview with Forbes last month.

Applying for a REAL ID

The process varies by state, but residents will need a few documents to apply for a REAL ID before the deadline.

No matter the state, the application process can be started online by scanning and uploading the necessary documents, basic information, and Social Security numbers. Once submitted and reviewed, an in-person visit to the DMV or your state’s department agency is necessary for an attendant to verify the documents.

From there, a thumbprint will be recorded in the system, and a photo will be issued for the ID before it’s mailed.

The documents needed are those that show:

1. Full legal name (previous driver’s license, passport, etc)
2. Date of birth (like a birth certificate, or an official copy of one)
3. Social Security number (Social Security card)
4. Two proofs of residence (like a utility bill or voter registration card)
5. Lawful status

Source: Department of Homeland Security