Nearly six weeks into the partial government shutdown, airport security wait times have surged across major hubs. At some airports, lines have stretched past three hours, expedited lanes such as TSA PreCheck and Clear have been temporarily shut, and entire checkpoints have closed. Travelers have missed flights as queues snake through terminals — and sometimes outside them.
Why waits are growing
The staffing strain stems from a shutdown-related stalemate in Washington that has left many Transportation Security Administration officers unpaid for weeks. After a lengthy shutdown last fall, increased call-outs and resignations have reappeared, producing bottlenecks in multiple cities. In some places airline workers have stepped in to help with logistics (for example, Delta employees assisted in Atlanta), and the administration has temporarily assigned U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement staff to some airports for support. Industry groups have warned travelers not to assume normal operations until TSA officers are paid.
Where delays are worst
– Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson has urged passengers to arrive up to four hours before departure.
– Houston George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) has closed some C- and D-concourse checkpoints and some PreCheck lanes, warning of delays over three hours.
– New Orleans (MSY) and New York JFK have reported multi-hour waits and have at times suspended access to PreCheck lanes.
– Because conditions are changing rapidly, some airports have temporarily halted their public wait-time trackers.
Practical tips for getting through security
Expect longer waits even if you usually breeze through with expedited access. Use these steps to reduce stress and the chance of missing your flight.
Arrive much earlier than usual
Give yourself extra time. In heavily affected airports that may mean arriving several hours before departure. The TSA app can show live waits but has been unreliable during the shutdown, so treat it as one input among several.
Check your airport’s channels
Follow your departure airport’s website and social media feeds for real-time updates and alerts. Many airports publish their own wait-time trackers and post frequent status updates; however, trackers can be suspended when conditions change rapidly.
Use Clear and TSA PreCheck when available
Clear and PreCheck remain the fastest routes through screening. If you have PreCheck, enable any touchless options offered by your airline (TSA PreCheck Touchless ID) for potentially faster processing. Note that some expedited lanes may be closed at busy checkpoints, so confirm availability before you count on them.
Pick quieter days and times
If you can shift travel plans, choose typically less-crowded days such as Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Saturdays and avoid peak morning and evening rush windows. Midday flights can sometimes avoid the biggest crowds and the most frequent delays.
Find a less-congested checkpoint
Ask airport staff where lines are shortest. Some terminals or checkpoints back up while others remain relatively clear; walking a short distance to a quieter lane can save time if it still gets you to your gate on time.
Prepare for a long wait
Charge your devices and use the restroom before entering the line. Pack snacks, medications, water (finish or dispose of it before screening to comply with 3-1-1 rules), and activities for children in your carry-on. Treat the security queue like a potential gate delay and bring what you need to be comfortable.
If security causes you to miss your flight
Check rebooking options in your airline app as soon as you realize you might miss your flight. Airlines are not federally required to refund missed flights caused by long security lines, but many carriers will work with affected passengers when possible. Some airlines have delayed flights selectively when checkpoint congestion caused widespread misses; policies vary by carrier and by how full flights already are.
Bottom line
With the partial shutdown ongoing, airport security wait times are longer and more unpredictable. Expedited programs like Clear and TSA PreCheck still help when available, but those lanes can be closed. Monitor your airport’s official channels, arrive well ahead of your usual time, and have alternate travel plans in mind in case security lines make you miss your flight.