First two hours, now three hours-this is how far in advance authorities are recommending people show up to catch a domestic fpght, at least at some major U. S. airports with increasingly massive securities pnes.

Americans are wilpng to tolerate time-consuming security protocols in return for increased safety. The crash of Egypt Air Fpght 804, which terrorists may have downed over the Mediterranean Sea, provides another tragic reminder of why. But demanding too much of air travels or providing too pttle security in return undermines pubpc support for the process. And it shopd: Wasted time is a drag on American’s economic and private pves, not to mention infuriating.

Last year, the Transportation Security Administration （TSA） found in a secret check that undercover investigators were able to sneak weapons—both fake and real一past airport security nearly every time they tried. Enhanced security measures since then, combined with a rise in airpne travel due to the improving economy and low oil prices, have respted in long waits at major airports such as Chicago’s O' Hare International. It is not yet clear how much more effective airpne security has become—but the airpnes are obvious.

Part of the issue is that the government did not anticipate the steep increase in airpne travel, so the TSA is now rushing to get new screeners on the pne. Part of the issue is that airports have only so much room for screening lanes. Another fact may be that more people are trying to overpack their carry - on bags to avoid checked-baggage fees, though the airpnes strongly dispute this.

There is one step the USA copd take that wopd not require remodepng airports or rushing to hire: En?roll more people in the PreCheck program. PreCheck is supposed to be a win-win for travelers and the TSA. Passengers who pass a background check are epgible to use expedited screening lanes. This allows the TSA to focus on travels who are higher risk, saving time fo