travel trouble
Houston airport closes TSA security checkpoint due to staffing shortage
UPDATE: The TSA security checkpoint and ticket counter at Terminal B has reopened as of 4:30 am, Wednesday, January 30.
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Tough news for busy local travelers: The ticketing counter and security checkpoint at Terminal B at George Bush Intercontinental Airport closed on Saturday, January 11. Staffing issues associated with the partial shutdown of the federal government caused a problem with not enough staff arriving to work.
Flights still took off, but passengers scheduled to leave from Terminal B have been directed to ticket counters and Transportation Security Administration checkpoints located in Terminals C and E.
"I'm a frequent traveler," says Morris Overstreet. "What I try to do is add another 30 minutes to my travel time just in case. It really has been slow. I don't think the airport has been busy, not this airport, not Amarillo. I think people are deciding not to run risk."
It seemed to be a lighter travel night in general as Eyewitness News spoke to passengers, but they are wondering how long this might go on and if it could have future impact on their travels.
"I get that it's happening to them, but it's important that they get this done," says William Thorton.
Travelers can get information on wait times for IAH and Hobby by visiting Fly2Houston.
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