Sequestration could mean longer wait times for travelers
FORT MYERS, Fla. - Headed home to Detroit, Ryan McKindles doesn't mind the down time at Southwest Florida International Airport.
"[I'm] doing some reading, catching up on a little bit of work," said McKindles.
But if Congress doesn't avert $600 million in cuts to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), passengers like McKindles could wait even longer. Up to an hour and a half.
"That would be unpleasant," added McKindles. "I don't want to wait any longer than i have to."
Neither do the Waldrons eager to get back to Minneapolis.
"We're here two hours early already and there's long lines and it's going to make that even worse," said Lynn Waldron.
Even worse because air traffic control towers at airports with fewer than 150,000 flights a year could close. In southwest Florida, those include Page Field, Punta Gorda and Naples. To get their flights in the air, staff may need towers from another airport like RSW.
"[That's] just accidents waiting to happen," added Waldron.
But some travelers say that's worth it to reduce our national debt.
"I feel like our taxpayers are paying enough the way it is," said Alex Conzemius, visiting Fort Myers for a wedding from Minneapolis.
Even if it means more time in line.
"I will make that sacrifice for the bigger pictures of the country cause we certainly have to make cuts," explained Conzemius.
If the sequester happens, the FAA will select towers to be closed by April 1.
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