The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will deploy 58 additional screeners at airports in Chicago, Illinois, US, over the next few weeks.
By mid-August, 250 further screeners will have been added to the airports, while 100 TSA screeners will change from part-time to full-time hours.
The deployment aims to avoid long wait times and missed flights having to be rescheduled due to a lack of airport staff.
TSA Administrator Peter Neffenger was quoted by abc7 Eyewitness News as saying: "We had a significant challenge in Chicago yesterday. I don’t know what that was. We’re fixing that. That’s maddening and frustrating and predictable and could’ve been dealt with months ago."
In a bid to avoid further inconvenience, the TSA has encouraged its passengers to join a pre-check programme for $85.
The TSA app will also allow travellers to check wait times before boarding flights.
Chicago’s aviation department is facing calls to apply for the TSA Screening Partnership Programme.
Under the programme, the City Hall will be able to enter contracts with federally approved private firms, allowing them to scan passengers and luggage at Chicago airports.
According to City Council Finance Committee chairman Edward Burke, 20 airports across the US have already decided to privatise their security check in process.
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