Review: The MyTSA App – A Traveler’s Imperfect Companion for Security Line Intel
Few things cause more anxiety in air travel than the TSA Security Line especially with the impact of the Government Shut Down. I just flew to California and was concerned about the TSA wait times. I decided to see if there were any useful tools to alleviate my ongoing concerns. The first stop wa the MyTSA App. It is issued by the Transportation Security Administration and aims to be the traveler’s digital crystal ball, providing estimated wait times and other useful information to help navigate the pre-flight gauntlet. A great concept, but average to poor execution. It does provide some useful information.
The MyTSA app is designed to provide real-time (or near real-time) security checkpoint wait times for airports across the U.S. It also offers helpful resources like the “What Can I Bring?” search tool, TSA PreCheck information, and weather delays. These are great features in concept.
The What Can I Bring? Feature is the best part of the app. No more guessing if that item is allowed in your carry-on or checked bag. The search function is quick, comprehensive, and accurate, saving countless travelers from checkpoint snafus.
The TSA PreCheck/Clear Lane Info provides clear indications of which airports and terminals offer these expedited lanes, which is very helpful for eligible travelers.
The Wait Time feature is not that helpful. This is the app’s biggest Achilles’ heel. It offers a general time for the whole airport. It does not breakdown individual terminal wait time. As a result, this feature is not helpful. I looked into whether terminal wait time information was available. I did find that at JFK, they provide terminal wait time through their own app, at least for terminal 4. I do not know why the TSA can not break down the wait time by terminal
The app’s interface is basic so it is functional but feels a bit dated. I guess you cannot expect much more from a government agency.
My opinion is that the TSA App is a useful tool but not a complete one. The concepts are good but the execution needs improvement.