The airport is about to open a new screening line for the suspended travel lines News, sports, jobs

During the summer, travelers pour out of the terminal and into the sun to wait for TSA screening, and the crowd usually gathers between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

But the TSA plans to open another checkpoint later this month, and airport officials plan to use a 200-foot-long tent purchased by airlines to screen travelers while they wait in lines, Maui County Superintendent Marvin Moniz said. Airport Manager, Thursday.

TSA spokesman Daniel Velez said the TSA is in the process of installing authentication verification technology, or CAT machines, at the airport. Cabling and electrical work is being done to facilitate the installation of the equipment in the evening when there are no hikers. The machines help check and verify things like ID and flight reservations, according to the TSA website.

Also, four teams of explosive detection dogs, recently graduated from the TSA Canine Training Center in San Antonio, Texas, have been sent to Maui and are now screening and escorting passengers. “Additional Security Layer” Velez said.

Airport officials attribute the long lines seen in recent months to summer travel, additional flights and larger aircraft, among other factors.

Moniz said the new checkpoint will join the existing single checkpoint near baggage claim along the arrival ramps.

He assumed that these two checkpoints would be used to screen TSA PreCheck passengers, allowing the seven checkpoints next to the ticketing lobby to process all other passengers. Currently, one screening lane is used for TSA PreCheck next to the ticketing hall.

Moniz says there are seven lines together. “It must be very fast.”

The 200-foot tent has yet to arrive, but he hopes it will around August 29.

He hopes that the additional checkpoint and tent will be there in time “Labor Day Rush.”

But in the meantime, travelers flying from Maui between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. are still advised to arrive two to two and a half hours early, Moniz said. Those flying outside of those times should arrive one hour to one hour and 15 minutes before their flight.

Moniz said the crowd is due to a variety of reasons, including airlines increasing their flight schedules between the 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. window during the summer, including bringing larger jets to the airport.

At peak times, as many as 4,500 travelers may go through security, Moniz estimated.

Because travel to Europe and Asia is still slow, airlines are bringing their larger jets to Hawaii, which is the next longest of the states, he said.

He also thinks that the population has worsened during summer travel.

Overall, Moniz said they’re seeing some slowdowns on the lines with Thursday’s rush just before 1 p.m.

The airport has long-term plans to add five more screening lanes near the United ticket counters near the airport entrance.

The project is currently in design and will take around two years to start and run.

TSA also offers tips to speed up the security screening process, including:

• When packing, start with an empty bag. People who do this are less likely to bring a contraband through a checkpoint.

• Plan your arrival time and check for peak traffic hours. At the checkpoint, simply have a valid ID card and follow the 3.4-ounce or less liquid rule, except for hand sanitizer, which has a temporary 12-ounce limit in carry-on bags.

• Carry items by hand, not in filter bins. Taking items like phone, keys, lip balm and other things out of your pocket can be time consuming and stressful. Keeping them in carry-on bags avoids these issues and is more hygienic.

• Register for TSA PreCheck at tsa.gov/precheck.

For more information, visit tsa.gov.

* Melissa Tanji can be reached at mtanji@mauinews.com.