February 22, 2017: 10 travelers passing through a JetBlue TSA boarding check point at JFK were in for a surprise — no agents at the Xray position — so they just walked on through and to their planes. At least 3 travelers triggered the machine requiring further individual checks, but since no TSA around, they just kept going. TSA says all were identified through security cameras, found all but 3 and checked before they departed. The 3 missing had boarded their flight to LAX and were checked on arrival — hmmm. According to TSA, airport security screening is most “vulnerable” during shift change times (that’s what happened here) and early in the AM. Hopefully some staffing changes in order now? Over 13,000 TSA airport staff man 500 US airports daily screening 2 million plus passengers — and more than 432 million bags a year. TSA is asking to add 10,000 more agents this year and says that will help — hopefully some early risers?
