SOLUTION TO ADDRESS BAGGAGE CHALLENGES IN HAWAII CLOSE TO A RESOLUTION

(Hagatna, Guam) A short-term resolution is being finalized to address the challenges passengers who fly from Guam through Hawaii, and on to one of the contiguous states face. Delegate James Moylan held a discussion with representatives from theTransportation Security Administration (TSA) to follow up on a discussion he had with TSA Administrator David Pekoske earlier this year regarding the baggage issue in the Honolulu Airport.

Today, a transit passenger arriving from Guam would have to collect their bags and then walk an extensive distance to drop their luggage at a United Airlines counter. This creates significant challenges for manamko, persons with disabilities, or even those traveling with young children. Likewise, individuals with short layovers must rush to deliver their bags on one side of the airport and have to get to their gate on the other end.

“We had a positive discussion with TSA to follow up on previous conversations with Administrator Pekoske and others, and they are close to finalizing a bag drop section, which is adjacent to the sterile arrival area. This would reduce the extensive walk passengers have to endure. Once their bags are dropped off, there would be a short walk towards a TSA checkpoint, and then the passenger would head to their gate,” stated Delegate Moylan. “We appreciate the cooperation of TSA, CBP, and United Airlines in collaborating to help bring some ease to passengers. There are discussions of more long-term solutions, which may eliminate the need for a passenger to collect the bag at the sterile arrival area or even proceed to a TSA screening, but once again this is a more extensive conversation that will require some time and Congressional action,” added Delegate Moylan.

Current timelines for this new bag drop section are estimated to be towards the end of the year. Delegate Moylan will continue to keep the community updated on developments.

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