Newark Airport security lines improving while shutdown sparks long delays at other US airports
NEWARK, New Jersey (WABC) -- The TSA lines at Newark Liberty International Airport seemed to be better for travelers on Tuesday.
Newark is one of 14 airports across the country where President Donald Trump has deployed ICE agents to help and keep the long lines moving.
Union leaders for the TSA are referring to them as replacement workers. TSA officials are calling on Congress to restore funding immediately and are insisting that their members get paid quickly as fiscal hardships tighten their grip on wallets.
Word of a possible deal to end the government shutdown is being met with urgency.
The sick calls from TSA workers continue to pour in around the country, forcing passengers to wait in long lines that snake through the terminals.
The hardest-hit airports are in Atlanta and Houston.
JFK Airport had a sick call rate over 30% on Monday and passengers are arriving extra early to avoid missing their flights.
Crowds did start to build during the afternoon rush at Newark on Tuesday, but security lines were moving much better than we have seen at other airports nationwide.
"They've done a great job pushing us through, absolutely," said traveler Alicia Lynn.
"It's like everything else in life, uncertainty is not helping. You have to plan ahead and just assume it's going to be the worst case and if you get lucky, you get lucky, sir," said traveler Dave DiPetrillo.
Delta Airlines, meantime, said it is suspending special services for Congress members that allowed them to skip lines and receive airport escorts.
Delta said its priority is, "taking care of our people and customers, which has become increasingly difficult in the current environment."
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