Punta Gorda Airport travelers breeze through security amid national TSA staffing issues

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. (WINK)—While airports across the country battle understaffing and long TSA lines, Punta Gorda Airport has been smooth sailing for travelers departing and arriving.

"I kept kind of looking for it online. Some people were saying it was awful. Some said it wasn't. And we got there and got through with plenty of time," Jeremy Woodruff said.

"I was kind of nervous, but we actually walked straight through, like, especially with him, I was nervous waiting in long lines, but it went really smooth, and we're already here in Florida," Elaina Ripberger said about her and her 3 month old's flight from Indianapolis.

"We got to the airport around quarter to nine for a 10:30 flight, and we ended up just sitting. It was fine," Jeannine Windisch said about her flight from Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Punta Gorda Airport is one of 20 airports across the country approved for the TSA Screening Partnership Program. This allows those selected airports to hire private security screening companies, meaning their TSA agents aren't missing out on paychecks due to the partial government shutdown.

While PGD won't be needing ICE agents' help with security staffing like RSW and other large airports across the country, travelers said they think the more help the better, for however long this shutdown lasts. 

"Any help the TSA can get is a good thing right now," Mike Atkinson said.

"I think it's great. They need all the help they can get wherever they need it," Jeannine said.

PGD is still recommending travelers get to the airport at least two hours before their flights while spring break season continues.