US airports use clowns, candy and ponies to relax passengers
<p>Airports across the US are recruiting clowns and miniature animals in a bid to soothe grumpy passengers.</p>
<p>As the busy summer season kicks off, droves of holidaymakers are facing lengthy airport security queues and delayed flights.</p>
<p>Many have been venting their frustration with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) on Twitter, using the hashtag #iHateTheWait.</p>
<p>Desperate to lighten the mood, airport bosses have been forced to come up with some creative solutions.</p>
<p>San Diego International Airport has brought in circus performers to help keep delayed passengers smiling, Good Morning America reported.</p>
<p><img width="500" height="394" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/24050/airport-pony-in-text-1_500x394.jpg" alt="Airport Pony In Text 1"/></p>
<p>Meanwhile, Denver International Airport is literally sweetening up its customers, offering candy to those waiting in long lines.</p>
<p>And Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport has even enlisted "therapy ponies", miniature horses whose sole job is to delight passengers.</p>
<p>"Animals help reduce stress and anxiety levels and put smiles on people's faces," airport spokeswoman Mindy Kershner told NBC news.</p>
<p>"Unlike service animals, who are working and should not be touched, therapy animals can be patted and hugged."</p>
<p><img width="500" height="254" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/24049/airport-pony-in-text-2_500x254.jpg" alt="Airport Pony In Text 2"/></p>
<p>The TSA has attributed the long lines to an increased number of travellers, more passengers bringing carry-on bags, the need for more robust security screenings, and a decrease in the number of security officers.</p>
<p>This week USA Today reported 450 American Airlines passengers were stranded at Chicago's O'Hare Airport overnight after getting stuck in TSA queues.</p>
<p>What do you think about the US airport’s solution? Do you think you could use something like this to brighten your mood on overseas trips?</p>
<p>Share your thoughts in the comments.</p>
<p><em>First appeared on <a href="http://Stuff.co.nz" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Stuff.co.nz</span></strong></a>.</em></p>
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