The first wave of golf fans will begin arriving in Augusta on Tuesday to attend the Augusta National Women’s Amateur (ANWA). That kicks off the arrival of thousands of air travelers coming to Augusta for the Masters Tournament, ANWA and Drive, Chip and Putt. Funding for TSA agents is entering its second month of uncertainty.
Leadership at Augusta Regional Airport (AGS) is helping agents as the airport braces for its busiest time of year.
“We are concerned about the current shutdown and how it affects the TSA employees at Augusta Regional Airport. Of course, Masters is our busiest week, and we want to make sure we can accommodate that influx of passengers,” Deputy Executive Director, Lauren Smith said. “We are working closely with TSA to see how we can help in any way.”
At this point, larger airports like Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta are experiencing hours-long delays getting passengers screened through security checkpoints. It is anticipated that the problems could filter down to smaller, regional airports, like AGS, if the shutdown continues.
So far, arrivals and departures posted on the AGS website show that virtually all arrivals and departures are on schedule and on time.
“We have actually seen an increase in our passenger numbers. I believe that the community is now flying out of Augusta, just for the ease of the TSA checkpoint,” Smith explained for ABD. “We have been talking to some passengers. Some are actually driving from Atlanta, driving from the Columbia airport, to come here to fly out. So, it’s an unfortunate situation; however, it is benefiting our in-flight numbers.”
To lead the effort to help agents, DeAndre Davis, the airport’s customer service supervisor, was again called upon to coordinate a collection drive to support agents. He led a similar effort during last year’s government shutdown.
“He’s talking to the management multiple times a day to make sure that all staff are completely covered, even down to those that may need help with their elderly parents, help with their children, spouses, whatever can be done,” said Smith.
“We have not had any call-outs, everything has been going well,” Davis told members of the Aviation Commission, adding there are guidelines governing what agents can accept. “The big thing that is challenging is the Visa gift cards and the Master Card gift cards. Those are probably the only cards that they’re not able to accept. It can’t be any monetary value. It can be any type of restaurant, grocery gift card, or gas gift card.”
In addition to gift cards connected to a business, the airport is also accepting essential items, including household essentials, canned goods, paper products, and baby and adult care products.
“We want to make sure that we keep all of the TSA employees out of any kind of trouble. They do have a strong gratuity clause that they have to follow. So, it is important that anybody who wants to help contact DeAndre,” said Smith.
Anyone wishing to donate may email Davis at ddavis2@augustaga.gov. There is also a donation drop box in the terminal, across from the ticket counters.
