"Pittsburgh baggage screening problem causes flight delays"

Monday, May 22, 2006

Baggage screening problem causes flight delays
By Jim Ritchie
The Pittsburgh (PA) Tribune-Review


One jet was stopped on the runway this morning at Pittsburgh International
Airport and eight others were delayed when problems with baggage-screening
machines caused concern among security officials.
 
Two machines broke down about 6:30 a.m. but Transportation Security
Administration spokesman Darrin Kayser said a technician was tending to both
this afternoon. 

The problem with the machines appeared to be mechanical, including a failed
air conditioning unit on one, Kayser said. 

"The issue came up during the morning push on Monday and a lot of bags
started coming through," he said. "It took us a little longer than normal to
get those screened. 

"Out of an abundance of caution we called one plane back to the gate and
made sure all the bags on there had been screened." 

Baggage on the nine planes was cleared by 8:15 a.m., he said. Delays ranged
from three to 90 minutes. 

"At no time was there a threat to the traveling public," Kayser said. "The
bottom line is just some minor delays and the equipment will be brought back
on line."

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