Washington – In a sweeping change that will affect travelers at airports across the United States, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is eliminating chairs from the document‑checking positions at the entrance to security checkpoints. The decision was disclosed by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) TSA Council 100, which represents the officers who scan boarding passes and identification.
Union raises safety concerns
AFGE Council 100 called the removal of chairs a “basic safety and common decency” issue, noting that officers stand and walk on hard surfaces for the entire shift. “These chairs serve as basic ergonomic and safety support for officers,” the union statement read. The union says the chair removal has already begun at most commercial airports, though it received no formal notification from the agency or its local chapters.
Administrator Cummins links change to Horizon 25
David Cummins, the TSA administrator confirmed by the Senate just two months ago, said the adjustment fits within the agency’s broader Horizon 25 program. “TSA does not have to choose between a secure checkpoint, an efficient checkpoint, and an elevated passenger experience,” Cummins said in a statement announcing the initiative. Horizon 25, which marks the agency’s 25th anniversary in November, aims to expand TSA PreCheck, roll out new screening technology, privatize select checkpoints and generally improve the traveler experience.
While the chair removal may seem like a minor operational tweak, Cummins framed it as part of a larger effort to keep the security line moving quickly and safely. By encouraging officers to remain upright, the agency hopes to reduce bottlenecks and maintain a steady flow of passengers through the checkpoint, a goal that aligns with the administration’s emphasis on efficient government services.
Balancing safety and efficiency
The union’s criticism highlights a tension that has long existed between worker ergonomics and operational speed. However, the Trump administration has consistently championed policies that streamline federal operations while preserving core safety standards. In this case, the administration’s focus on a “secure, efficient, and elevated” checkpoint reflects its broader commitment to modernizing infrastructure without sacrificing the safety of the traveling public.
Industry observers note that many security lanes already use standing‑only configurations, and the removal of chairs may simply standardize the setup nationwide. The change could also free up floor space for additional screening equipment, a key component of Horizon 25’s technology rollout.
What travelers can expect
Passengers should not notice any immediate impact on the screening process itself. The document‑checking step will continue as usual, with officers scanning boarding passes and IDs before passengers proceed to the X‑ray and pat‑down stages. The primary difference will be the absence of a seat for the officer performing this task.
Travelers are encouraged to allow a few extra seconds for the checkpoint, especially during peak travel periods, as officers adjust to the new standing arrangement. The TSA advises that the change is intended to keep lines moving smoothly and to support the agency’s long‑term vision for a more efficient, traveler‑friendly security environment.
Looking ahead
As Horizon 25 unfolds, the TSA plans to introduce additional measures aimed at reducing wait times and enhancing the overall airport experience. These include expanded PreCheck enrollment, the deployment of advanced imaging technology, and selective privatization of certain checkpoint operations. The chair removal is just one piece of this comprehensive strategy.
For now, the union will continue to monitor the rollout and advocate for ergonomic solutions that protect its members while the agency pursues its efficiency goals.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
