DENVER—Colorado risks losing tourists if steps are not taken to improve security wait times at Denver International Airport, according to the state’s nine representatives and senators.
The delegation is asking the Transportation Security Administration for more screeners before the busy holiday season.
Citing wait times that are more than double what TSA promised, the delegation signed on to a letter from Democratic Rep. Diana DeGette, calling the lines “unacceptable.”
“Denver airport officials are justifiably concerned that the passenger screening delays will cause vacation travelers to choose another destination where they do not have to experience these delays,” the group said in as letter sent to TSA Administrator Edmund S. “Kip” Hawley. “This is particularly important to our state as we approach Colorado’s busy holiday and ski season.”
The senators and representatives said despite an average wait time of more than 25 minutes, TSA has planned to add one additional screener. The delegation is asking for 58 more screener to allow additional security lines.
“We urge TSA promptly to approve this request, and to take whatever additional steps as necessary to reduce passenger wait times to 10 minutes as originally promised when TSA took over passenger screening,” the group wrote.
TSA spokesman Christopher White said he had not received the letter Wednesday evening, but he said TSA determines the number of officers at airports based on need.
“That allocation is not made in a lighthearted manner,” White said.
He said officials will take the letter seriously, but noted the organization has “a singular goal of providing world-class security.”
DIA is the fourth busiest airport in the nation.
