MSP trial checkpoints separate elite from other travelers
(KMSP) - A TSA trial at MSP Airport’s Terminal 1 is causing large lines and extended wait times. The trial began on Monday and will last 30 days, though it's already caused tension among several travelers.
Intended to improve efficiency, travelers with special designations like Precheck, Clear or First Class will have exclusive access to the south checkpoint, with all other travelers funneled to the north.
"They added at least another 50-60 people since we got in line, and that's not even five minutes," one traveler said.
And all of it was made a bit worse once travelers learned this mess at the north checkpoint is about status, and a few hundred feet away, traveling has arguably never been easier.
"Prioritizing the one percent, it's kind of stupid, to be honest," said Connor, a traveler from Savannah, Georgia.
"Everybody who pays more and is elite status is over there and we are all over here,” another traveler said. “It's kind of an uncomfortable situation."
The Haves and Have Nots of travel officially became more obvious, with most travelers agreeing the change was not working.
"I understand making a quick buck, but when people are stuck in lines, missing flights, it’s just not cool," a traveler said.
The TSA said nothing is finalized and they are still deciding which groups will be screened at the south checkpoint.