U.S. airports could take major hit from upcoming budget cuts this summer
Skift Take
Fewer TSA and customs agents means longer lines and wait times, but tourism is too lucrative during the summer season for the worst case scenario outlined here to become a reality.
If you thought airport wait times were long, get ready for worse. How about an extra hour to go through security? And, international travelers, brace for this -- four hours to clear customs?
These are likely scenarios at the nation's airports when the much-feared $85 billion of forced U.S. budget cuts hit in March. Many federal agencies -- including those that handle airport security, customs, and air traffic control -- will be forced to furlough employees, which means workers will have to stay away from their jobs for no pay for certain time periods over the next seven months.
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