Los Angeles International Airport (Getty Images / April 30, 2011) |
LOS ANGELES (KTLA) -- Traveling through Los Angeles International airport could take longer these days all because the airport says it's low on staff.
Officials at the airport are claiming that shortages of Customs and Immigration agents are to blame for the recent hike in delays, sometimes causing travelers to wait for up to three hours before being processed.
LAX is one of the nation's busiest airports and was predicted by Orbitz last week to be the most heavily traveled this holiday season.
Officials say the problem became so bad this summer that they filed a formal complaint with the federal customs agency.
Airport director Gina Marie Lindsey said in an email obtained by the Los Angeles Times that only one-third of the 60 customs booths at LAX are staffed during peak times and cited numerous incidents where the lack of staffing led to repeated delays.
"I am getting more letters than I have ever gotten from passengers complaining about delays," said Lindsey.
Lindsey also blames federal budget cuts for the problems.
Customs and Border Protection officials said they cannot discuss staffing levels because of security concerns.
Officials at the airport are claiming that shortages of Customs and Immigration agents are to blame for the recent hike in delays, sometimes causing travelers to wait for up to three hours before being processed.
LAX is one of the nation's busiest airports and was predicted by Orbitz last week to be the most heavily traveled this holiday season.
Officials say the problem became so bad this summer that they filed a formal complaint with the federal customs agency.
Airport director Gina Marie Lindsey said in an email obtained by the Los Angeles Times that only one-third of the 60 customs booths at LAX are staffed during peak times and cited numerous incidents where the lack of staffing led to repeated delays.
"I am getting more letters than I have ever gotten from passengers complaining about delays," said Lindsey.
Lindsey also blames federal budget cuts for the problems.
Customs and Border Protection officials said they cannot discuss staffing levels because of security concerns.
