TSA lines long, but moving at O'Hare as Memorial Day weekend begins

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Security lines are long, but moving at O'Hare International Airport as Memorial Day weekend begins and the city issues its first review of the TSA's performance.

"I'm glad the line is moving today, but it went so far back I thought I'd have to leave the terminal," said Jason Ornduff, a passenger.

Wait times fluctuated between 10 and 45 minutes in Terminal 3 at O'Hare Friday morning. Some travelers were irritated.

"There are a lot of other security points where it seems like you can just walk in. But they're directing everyone towards this one. So it's a little frustrating," said Max Winston, another passenger.

About 1.7 million people are expected to pass through O'Hare and Midway International Airport this holiday weekend, the Chicago Department of Aviation said.

The city's TSA report said the average wait time is eight minutes at O'Hare and nine minutes at Midway. The wait time during peak hours is 42 minutes at O'Hare and 44 minutes at Midway.

Those wait times don't sound bad. But about a week and a half ago, some passengers reported three-hour wait times at O'Hare. Hundreds of travelers missed their flights and were forced to sleep at the airport.

AAA Spokesperson Beth Mosher advised passengers to get to the airport early.

"No matter the issue, people need to realize that these lines are long. Do not take them for granted. Get here early. It's much better to wait on the other side of security than having to miss your flight," Mosher said.

Over Memorial Day weekend Mosher said 38 million people are expected to travel. That's more than any other Memorial Day weekend since 2005.