Lack of ticket counter space puts ground handler in precarious position!

Counter space is not available inside LGB's art deco terminal

Airserv-LGB, a small business, has provided ground support for airlines, at Long Beach Airport (LGB), since 1972.  When Airserv started operations, airline service at LGB was very limited, and plenty of ticket counter space was available.  Flash forward to the 1980s and deregulation, 41 flights now operated from LGB, plus 10-15 commuter slots.  Alaska, America West, American, Continental, Delta, TWA, United, and USAir all served LGB, and ticket counter space was at a premium.

During the mid to late 1980s, Airserv provided some sort of service to six of the airlines and 26 of the 41 flights.  Any ‘ad-hoc’ charter flights that operated, requiring ticket counter space for check in was available through one of the six airlines they did business with.

The 1990s had a dramatic impact on the third-party contract companies that were hired by the airlines.  In 1996, a fatal accident in Miami, caused by improper handling of oxygen canisters, completely changed the industry.  The airlines increased the liability insurance requirement by third-party contractors, so much, that many of the ‘small business’ handlers (such as Airserv), either sold out, or went out of business.  However, there was enough ‘ad-hoc’ business and business from smaller airlines without the hefty liability insurance requirement. However, Airserv now was left without an airline relationship to provide check in.

Today, Airserv is forced to coordinate with a couple of airlines and their charter carriers to sequence schedules.  However, there have been times sequencing the schedules did not work, and the charter carrier (Elite Air) was forced to check in passengers outside, on the curb (see photo).

With no counter space available, curbside check in for Laughlin charter

This does not reflect well on an airport that is a multiple Top 10 Conde Nast Domestic Airport.  The airport needs to provide ticket counter space for all flights serving the airport, and not discriminate based on size of aircraft, or whether the flight is scheduled or charter.  The curbside check in of Elite Airways was a charter flight to Laughlin.  The Harrah’s/Cesar's Laughlin charters have been operating out of Long Beach for over 30 years - that’s longer than any one airline has served LGB.  Airserv, which has serviced these flights from the beginning, could be at risk of losing this contract because they are unable to provide ticketing/check in due to a lack of counter space.