Economy

Twitter Shows the Terrible Reality of What Your Summer Vacation Could Look Like This Year

May 18th 2016

Travel season is kicking off with an unfortunate thud this year. While waiting in long security lines across the U.S., travelers are posting pictures and angry comments about the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

The hashtag #iHatetheWait was started by airline industry trade association Airlines for America. They encouraged passengers to share their TSA security line stories on Twitter and Instagram.

#iHatetheWaitAirlines for America - ihatethewait.com

Vaughn Jennings from Airlines for America told ATTN: that the industry group created the hashtag to help passengers make decisions about the time they arrive at the airport and encourage them to enroll in TSA pre-screening programs.

"The Department of Transportation’s benchmark of the maximum acceptable wait time is 29 minutes, but we are seeing lines that go 60 or 90 minutes at some major airports," he wrote via email. "That’s why we wanted to do our part to make the process more efficient for passengers and TSA alike."

However the #iHatetheWait campaign may have other motives. The lobbying group represents some of the largest airlines and it's pushed the federal government to hire more private contractors for airport security, according to USA Today. There are currently 22 airports in the country that have private airport security contractors working under TSA supervision.

Whatever the reason, people definitely responded to the group's call to action.

There are stories on Twitter of long security lines at major airports from coast to coast with the hashtag #iHatetheWait.

There are pictures on Instagram too.

There are also reports that San Diego International Airport is using circus performers to calm passengers waiting in long lines, and the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is using therapy horses. Yeah.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security that houses the TSA said last week that they're immediately adding more overtime hours for employees to help decrease the lines, according to CNN. However Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson said don't get your hopes up.

"We encourage people to have the appropriate expectations when they arrive at airports," said Johnson, according to CNN. "Contemplate increased wait times as you travel."

In a statement to ATTN: the TSA said that increased times at the security checkpoints are happening because more people are traveling this year, but their main focus is security. Here is part of the agency's statement:

“TSA’s primary focus is the current threat environment, as the American transportation system remains a high value target for terrorists. Our strong economy means air carriers are enjoying record travel volume, which is resulting in heavier than normal volumes of travelers at our nation’s airports – some with double digit increases over last summer."

However ATTN: reported last week that another big reason for the delays is that the TSA is understaffed, and it's because employees keep quitting. About 117 TSA officers quit every week and 35 percent quit within their first year as an officer, according to NBC News.

RELATED: Airport Security Lines Are out of Control

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