Has Sued The Agency And The Operator Of The Twin Cities Airport

We've all heard the stories about tremendously long lines for airport security, and TSA and airports have been warning passengers that they might need to get to the airport extra early to be sure they get through the lines and make their flights.

But Hooman Nikizad, a resident surgeon with the University of Minnesota, got stuck in a 90 minute security line at Minneapolis-St. Paul International airport on March 19, and as a result missed his flight to Los Angeles.

Aviation Pros reports that Nikizad tried to follow the recommendations of TSA. He arrived at the airport two hours before departure time. The flight left nine minutes after it was scheduled, but he still did not make the plane.

Nikizad now says that TSA and the airport were responsible for him missing his flight, and filed a lawsuit to recover the $506.85 he paid to get on a different flight.

In his suit, Nikizad said TSA had limited staff on duty at KMSP, and "only one body scanner for the regular security line." He said he had to buy the ticket on a different airline to meet his obligations in Los Angeles. He says in his suit that the airport and TSA "have done a very poor job of getting passengers through security."

TSA Administrator Peter Neffenger had visited the airport several days before Nikizad's flight because of multiple complaints about long security lines, and had pledged to make "real improvements in the coming days."

Nikizad is seeking reimbursement for the plane ticket, additional ground transportation expenses, and the $75 court fee for filing the claim. The U.S. Attorney's office in Minneapolis declined to comment on the lawsuit, as did a spokeswoman for TSA.

(Image from file)

FMI: http://www.mnd.uscourts.gov