Honolulu Airport Passengers Face Longer USDA Inspection Delays

Travelers departing from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport to the U.S. mainland, Alaska, or Guam are advised to allow extra time for pre-flight baggage inspections due to staffing shortages at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspection stations. Starting April 6, only one inspection station will be operational in Lobby 7 after 8 a.m., and the facility in Lobby 8 will be closed indefinitely, leading to potential delays for passengers. The inspection station in Lobby 5 will open at 8:55 a.m. for Alaska Airlines passengers, while other USDA stations will open at 5 a.m. These inspections are crucial to prevent the spread of pests and diseases from Hawaii to the mainland. The Hawaii Department of Transportation has warned that the reduced staffing could lead to longer lines and missed flights, particularly during peak travel hours. Travelers are encouraged to plan accordingly to ensure a smooth departure.