Real-Time Tracking of TSA and Taxi Wait Times Available at NYC Airports

WHY IT RATES: With BlipTrack technology at the Port Authority airports, travelers can better plan and prepare themselves for their airport visit beforehand. — Alex Temblador, TravelPulse Associate Writer

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Passengers at John F. Kennedy International (JFK), Newark Liberty International (EWR), LaGuardia (LGA), and New York Stewart International (SWF) airports can now access up-to-date Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and taxi wait times on the Port Authority’s respective airport websites.

The real-time tracking information is part of the Port Authority’s aggressive efforts to deliver an enhanced customer experience for passengers using its airports. TSA wait times at LaGuardia’s Terminals C and D went live on the LGA website this month, becoming the latest terminals to be activated. Wait time information also is available inside terminals.

Launched in phases beginning in late November, the tracking system allowed passengers in most airport terminals the opportunity to remotely check on TSA checkpoint wait times during the recent government shutdown. All 14 terminals across the agency’s four airports now have the capability, with the lone exception of United Airline’s Terminal C at Newark Liberty. United hopes to have its system go live later this year.

The Port Authority, in coordination with the TSA and other agency partners, has installed BlipTrack, a real-time measurement tool to track and display wait times at TSA checkpoint screening areas and taxi stands. The goal is two-fold: first, to provide this information so that travelers know what to expect and to enable them to plan their travels better and on a more informed basis; second to enable the airports to develop strategies and to target resources to reduce wait times.

“We are focused on enhancing the customer experience at our airports by providing this critical information,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “The installation of BlipTrack allows us to provide customers with the real-time information they need to plan their travels. Even more importantly, it provides us data to focus on how to reduce wait times going forward.”

“In today’s increasingly interconnected world, the passenger’s journey begins before they leave for the airport,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “With this real-time data posted on each of the airport’s websites, wait times are now readily available to help reduce passenger stress and enable travelers to plan based on the wait times they will encounter. At the same time, as we saw during the recent government shutdown, the information makes it easier for airport staff to monitor checkpoint wait times and call for additional resources to congested areas.”

With respect to taxi lines, the technology helps travelers make informed decisions regarding ground transportation, and also enables the airport to identify taxi shortages and bottlenecks, thereby enabling airport staff to request additional taxis when needed.

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SOURCE: The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey press release

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