The security lines at airports could span a few hours these days. The Transportation Security Administration is understaffed and airlines are taking matters into their own hands to ease the pain for frustrated passengers.

Delta Air Lines has put in place more efficient security lines at its major hub at the Hartsfield-Jackson Airport in Atlanta, Ga.

Here’s more information, courtesy of The Verge:

“Delta Air Lines paid for and installed a pair of “innovation lanes” at its hometown airport in Atlanta. The lanes are much better designed than the standard security checkpoints found at airports around the US, and the airline hopes it can double the throughput thanks to some clever ideas.

Rather than having TSA agents use hand-pushed carts to bring empty trays from the exit back to the entrance of the line, the new lanes use an automated conveyor belt system. And instead of having travelers stack up behind one another to drop off their belongings to be scanned, there are five different “divestment points” so faster travelers can drop off their bags and move on without waiting for a slower person in front of them.

Finally, the automated bin system can route bins that set off screening alarms to a separate area for inspection, again freeing up TSA agents to focus on screening rather than the logistics of moving baggage around.”

Bottom Line

The report said Delta has spent $1 million on these new and improved security lanes. It’s an impressive feat for one of America’s biggest airlines.
Delta is clearly frustrated that its passengers have been subjected to long security lines at the airport. Angry and stressed customers are bad for business, even if it’s not directly the airline’s fault.