The Eugene Airport has added a third security screening lane. Officials say it’ll speed things along as passenger traffic grows. But an Oregon representative is rankled by a proposed fee increase. KLCC’s Brian Bull explains.
The new lane is for TSA pre-check status, which allows people to go through security without removing shoes, belts, light coats, and liquids from carry-ons.
With numbers up 30 percent since 2011, airport officials say it helps facilitate the extra 140,000 passengers a year.
Oregon Congressman Peter DeFazio says he’s pleased with the new lane…but upset that the White House wants higher TSA fees for travelers.
“This administration, Trump Administration is stealing $1.3 billion of security fees, and using it for something else," DeFazio tells KLCC. "I don’t know what they’re going to use it for, maybe the stupid wall.
"It started under the Obama Administration to be fair, but now Trump is doubling down, and saying, “Oh, we need to increase the security fee, and oh by the way, we’re going to steal the money and not put it into security.’”
If approved, Trump’s increase would mean one-way tickets would pay an extra dollar for security, while round-trip tickets would be $2.25 more. Airlines and travel groups oppose the proposal.
Copyright 2018, KLCC.
Copyright 2018 KLCC