Airport expands security in time for holiday rush

Bob Hope Airport officials are hoping for a November completion date

for a third security check lane at one of the airport’s terminals.

The third lane would offer a swifter security process during peak

periods of travel.

“We are aware there can be long lines during the early morning

hours with the first wave of flights out,” airport spokesman Victor

Gill said.

The Burbank-GlendalePasadena Airport Authority on Sept. 26

authorized that up to $250,000 be spent to prepare the space to be

used by the Transportation Security Agency.

The new checkpoint would be in Terminal B serving passengers

flying on Delta Airlines, United Airlines and Alaska Airways flights.

Attempts to reach a representative of the security agency were not

successful.

The early flights for Delta, United and American Airlines can

generate up to 700 passengers checking in at the same time, Burbank

Commissioner Charlie Lombardo said.

“With all the flights at the same time, the lines are lengthy,”

Lombardo said. “This should alleviate some of that.”

The area for the new checkpoint is now occupied by a storeroom and

a small concession stand. The stand will be relocated to another part

of the terminal, Gill said.

The checkpoint will be built in a two phases to be completed in

November.

A cost will be known after bids on the project are received by the

authority, Gill said.

The authority worked with the security agency to get the necessary

approvals for the new checkpoint.

“With the agency having its own protocols on its equipment, you

have to do the project all that more quicker,” Gill said.