Screening machines down at Big Island airport results in long lines and delays

Delays continue at Hilo International Airport as checkpoint screening machines are still down.

On Tuesday, lines at the airport snaked outside the building with travelers reporting waiting up to two hours before going through the Transportation Security Administration screening checkpoint.

Hawai‘i Department of Transportation first reported the down machines late Monday night. Officials said Tuesday afternoon they are trying to make things as comfortable as possible for travelers, bringing out extra seating, fans and handing out water.

One traveler headed to Honolulu said they stood in line for an hour and a half before getting through the security checkpoint. The traveler, visiting from California, added TSA precheck passengers and global entry were being allowed to merge in at the front of the outdoor line.

Lorie Dankers, spokesperson for TSA, said technicians are working to resolve the matter and return equipment to its full capacity.

“I cannot provide specifics on what is happening with the equipment or the alternate screening methods in use in order to avoid creating a potential security vulnerability,” she said.

TSA is using all available security screening resources to screen travelers and their belongings departing Hilo International Airport. Travelers are encouraged to arrive early to ensure completion of each step of the travel process including check-in, security screening, boarding and on-time flight departure.

To help prepare travelers, TSA offers the following tips:

• Arrive more than two hours before the flight departure.

• Consider reducing the number of carry-on bags and personal items that need to be screened through the security checkpoint, saving time for all travelers.

• Be prepared for the screening process. Don’t bring prohibited items to the security checkpoint. Download the myTSA app and use the “Can I Bring?” feature to find out whether an item is allowed in your carry-on luggage or if it needs to be placed in checked luggage.