Another step has been taken to try to reduce long lines at customs at select airports around the country.
The federal government announced Wednesday it is allowing U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents to work overtime and be paid by local airport authorities at five of the nation’s busiest airports.
One of the five airports that’s been selected to participate in this new pilot program is Orlando International Airport.
“The first thing tourists from other countries see when they get off a plane here is the line to go through customs,” said U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL), a senior member of the Senate Commerce Committee that oversees transportation. “That’s no way to foster tourism. Having more agents working at peak times will reduce the time folks have to wait in line when they get here.”
In recent years, there have been several attempts to reduce customs wait times at airports across the country. Earlier this year, Orlando received notice that it will get extra customs agents to cut down the wait times for international passengers coming to Orlando.