Treats Await Some Flyers In Denver International Airport Security Lines
DENVER (CBS4) - Long airport security lines are prompting some airports around the country to offer distractions to passengers moving through the TSA mazes.
At Denver International Airport crews occasionally offer Hershey Kisses and water bottles to travelers when the lines get long.
At Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, pictures and video on social media show musicians playing calm music, perhaps hoping to calm the travelers' frayed nerves.
45 minute wait times at @TSA checkpoints this am. #ATL musicians, guest service reps, staffers on hand to ease wait. pic.twitter.com/PokNWMaz3u
— Atlanta Airport (@ATLairport) May 13, 2016
At San Diego International Airport clowns tried to put a smile on the faces of frustrated travelers inching through lines.
Run away & join the circus w/ us today, 11:30-1:30 pm, Terminal 2 baggage claim! Pre-security, open to the public! https://t.co/OwCSvKEXJ4
— San Diego Airport (@SanDiegoAirport) May 11, 2016
And in Kentucky, where horses are a major tourist attraction, one airport has prancing ponies in the terminal.
Travelers have mixed views on the effectiveness of these ploys.
"My only focus is to get through security and get on the other side so I don't need entertained," one traveler told CBS4's Suzanne McCarroll at DIA on Monday.
Another traveler shares that sentiment.
"Bring in entertainment? I think that will be a bit of a distraction and will slow down the lines with people watching the entertainment," she said.
RELATED: TSA: Passengers A 'Contributing Factor' In Long Lines
Most say bringing in more TSA personnel is what's needed. A spokesperson for DIA says the staff has no other plans than to occasionally hand out sweet treats and water bottles when the lines get particularly long.
Lots of travelers this Monday AM at DIA! @CBSDenver pic.twitter.com/LEgZdBCYuN
— Heather Sadusky (@heathersadusky) May 23, 2016
Suzanne McCarroll is a general assignment reporter at CBS4. Her stories can regularly be seen on CBS4 News at 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. Connect with her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter @SuzanneCBS4.