It’s day 38 of the partial government shutdown and airport security wait times have surged. Business travelers and spring-break families alike are asking one question: how long will the security line be? At several of the nation’s busiest hubs, backups have climbed past three hours. Expedited TSA PreCheck and Clear lanes have been shut at some airports, and some security checkpoints are closed. Passengers across the country have missed flights as lines snake through — and sometimes outside — terminals.
The staffing strain follows a shutdown-related stalemate in Washington that has left Transportation Security Administration officers more than five weeks without pay. After a 43-day shutdown last fall, that has driven increased call-outs and resignations and produced bottlenecks in multiple cities. In some locations, airline staff have stepped in to help: Delta employees pitched in at Atlanta checkpoints so TSA officers could focus on screening. The Trump administration also deployed U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement officers to assist with logistical duties at some airports, a controversial move. With pressure mounting, the U.S. Travel Association warned travelers and lawmakers: “Do not board that flight, pack that bag, or clear that schedule until TSA officers have been paid.”
2- and 3-hour security backups now common
– Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson urged flyers to arrive up to four hours before departure.
– George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) closed some C- and D-concourse checkpoints and some PreCheck lanes, warning delays could top three hours.
– Louis Armstrong New Orleans (MSY) and John F. Kennedy (JFK) have also reported multi-hour waits and suspended access to PreCheck lanes at times.
– Some airports have temporarily suspended or limited their public wait-time trackers because conditions are changing rapidly.
TPG’s tips for dealing with long TSA lines
Expect long waits, even if you have expedited access. Here are practical tips to navigate security during the shutdown.
Arrive early
– Give yourself much more time than usual. How much depends on your airport and current conditions; in some places that means arriving several hours earlier than normal.
– The TSA’s app usually shows live waits, but it’s unreliable during the DHS shutdown, so don’t rely solely on it.
Follow your airport online
– Many airports publish their own TSA trackers and post real-time updates on social media. Check your departure airport’s website and feeds before leaving for the terminal. Note that volatile conditions can lead airports like JFK to temporarily suspend trackers.
Use Clear, TSA PreCheck, and TSA PreCheck Touchless ID — when available
– Clear and TSA PreCheck remain the best ways to move faster through screening. If you have PreCheck, opt in within your airline profile for TSA PreCheck Touchless ID where offered — it can be faster than standard PreCheck lanes.
– Caveat: some expedited services and lanes are closed at affected checkpoints due to staffing, so verify availability with your airport.
Choose quieter days and times
– If you can pick or change flights, aim for typically quieter days (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays) and time windows. Midday flights can avoid both the biggest crowds and many early-morning delays.
Seek a less-congested checkpoint
– On arrival, ask an airport employee where queues are shortest. Some terminals or checkpoints back up while others remain quieter; walking a bit can save time if you can still reach your gate after screening.
Prepare for a long wait
– Charge phones and use restrooms before entering the line. Pack essentials in your carry-on: snacks, medications, water (finish before the screening point to comply with 3-1-1), and activities for children. Treat the line like a brief delay at the gate.
If you’ll miss your flight because of security
Consider changing your flight
– Check your airline app for rebooking options. Airlines aren’t federally required to refund missed flights caused by long security lines, but some carriers may work with affected passengers.
Are airlines delaying flights or offering help?
– Some carriers may delay flights selectively if checkpoints are causing widespread misses. For example, Delta said it’s making “calculated decisions” about delays and will try to rebook customers where feasible, though spring-break travel has many flights near capacity.
Bottom line
With the partial shutdown continuing, airport TSA lines are growing longer and more erratic. Clear and TSA PreCheck help when available, but those lanes can be closed. Monitor your airport’s website and social feeds for current conditions, arrive well ahead of your usual time, and have backup flight options in mind in case security lines cause you to miss your flight.
