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Airport Security: Screener Cut Proposal Renews Delays Fears

Plans to reduce the number of federal security workers at McCarran International Airport renewed concerns Monday that the 'hassle factor' could drive leisure travelers to their cars -- or out of the local market altogether -- during peak times.

The Transportation Security Administration said recently that budget restraints could lead it to cut its Las Vegas screener force from 983 to 834 workers before Sept. 30.

Although a TSA official said Friday that plan could change after an additional review scheduled to begin this week, local officials said Monday they're still concerned that any reductions could cause further delays that would drive away leisure travelers. Visitors coming from so-called "short-haul" destinations including Los Angeles, Phoenix and Salt Lake City are at greatest risk, said Rosemary Vassiliadis, Clark County deputy director of aviation.

We are a leisure destination; it's largely a discretionary choice to come here," said Vassiliadis. "Anything that would increase (delays) passengers are already experiencing is a big concern to us. ... And the short-haul people have an easier choice of driving here versus flying here for the weekend."

About 63 percent of McCarran's traffic now involves short-haul destinations, or markets that can be reached through flights lasting two hours or less. Although Interstate 15 traffic also presents drivers with potential delays, Vassiliadis said many air travelers are already put off by hour-long waits at airport checkpoints. And fewer screeners would worsen problems, Vassiliadis added.

Officials from several carriers were reluctant Monday to openly criticize a federal agency that wields significant influence on their daily operations. But sources who asked not to be identified said the issue has caused uneasiness at McCarran.

"With a destination like Las Vegas that depends on leisure travel and customer service, it's of utmost importance to provide a steady flow of traffic at checkpoints," an airline source said. "I think a lot of carriers and people with the airport are very concerned that (extended delays) might become a problem."

America West spokeswoman Janice Monahan said McCarran's No. 2 carrier has so far enjoyed its relationship with TSA. However, she admitted the Tempe, Ariz.-based company is concerned that proposed cuts could result in further delays.

"We're glad the process is under review," said Monahan.

Increased passenger delays could be particularly troublesome for McCarran's busiest carrier, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines, because it relies largely on direct, short-haul routes and brief turnarounds to unload and board its passengers.

"Any time there are long lines, it affects our operations," Angela Vargo of Southwest Airlines said. "We have to focus on customer service in every regard, from security screenings all the way down to baggage handling, and we'll work with TSA to maximize whatever resources we have to make sure there's not a disruption to the service at McCarran."

Vargo said Southwest hopes to provide TSA with its passenger-flow information at McCarran to help the agency determine screener workload.

Southwest's communication with TSA regarding security changes is ongoing, she added.

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