ATLANTA – On a chaotic Tuesday, hundreds of flights were either canceled or delayed after powerful storms wreaked havoc across the eastern United States. Travelers faced additional frustrations at airport security checkpoints due to a partial government shutdown that has led to staffing shortages.
This turmoil comes at a particularly busy time for air travel, coinciding with spring break and March Madness, the annual NCAA basketball tournaments. The partial government shutdown, which began on February 14, has put pressure on staffing at security checkpoints, making the travel experience even more challenging.
As of early Tuesday, over 550 flights scheduled to operate in, out of, or within the U.S. were canceled, and more than 460 were delayed, according to FlightAware, a flight tracking service. Major airports like those in New York, Chicago, and Atlanta saw many of these disruptions, as a storm system that brought heavy snow to the Midwest moved towards the East Coast, threatening high winds and even tornadoes.
Kelly Price, trying to return home to Colorado after a family vacation in Orlando, shared her frustrating experience. Her flight was canceled early Monday, leaving her and her family to spend the night on the airport floor. “We’re all tired and frustrated,” she said, noting that the earliest flight they could rebook was not until Tuesday afternoon.
Impact on Major Airports
The cancellations on Monday were particularly severe at major hubs: approximately 600 flights were affected at Chicago O’Hare International, over 470 at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International, and more than 450 at LaGuardia Airport in New York City, according to FlightAware. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had to implement ground stops at Hartsfield-Jackson and Charlotte Douglas International Airport, while also delaying flights at JFK and Newark Liberty International Airport.
Danielle Cash found herself stuck in St. Louis while returning to Tampa after a girls’ trip to Las Vegas. Now, she faces unexpected expenses for a hotel in a snowy city, remarking, “It was 80 degrees in Tampa when I left.” She eventually booked a convoluted flight through Tennessee before finally returning to Tampa on Tuesday afternoon.
TSA Staffing Strains
The storms hit just as airport security screeners missed their first full paycheck due to the ongoing government shutdown, affecting the Department of Homeland Security, which includes the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This shutdown has been particularly contentious, with Democrats in Congress linking funding to new immigration restrictions following recent tragic events.
This is the third shutdown in less than a year, resulting in TSA workers going without pay again. As a result, many airports have reported increased wait times at security due to staffing shortages. Over 300 TSA agents have quit since the shutdown began, leaving remaining staff under significant strain.
TSA union leaders in Atlanta warned that ongoing delays could worsen as the shutdown continues. Despite facing financial hardships, many TSA workers are still reporting to work. “Many TSA workers are coping with eviction notices, vehicle repossessions, empty refrigerators, and overdrawn bank accounts,” said Aaron Barker, a local leader with the American Federation of Government Employees.
Travelers at Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans were advised to arrive at least three hours early due to these impacts. Meanwhile, Austin’s airport shared footage showing security lines stretching outside, emphasizing the struggle many faced.
In Atlanta, Mel Stewart and his wife arrived four hours earlier than usual for their flight, hoping to avoid long TSA lines. He expressed frustration over the political situation, stating, “These people are working. They work hard, and for TSA people not to get paid, that’s silly.”
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This report includes contributions from Associated Press reporters Margery A. Beck in Omaha, Nebraska, and Audrey McAvoy in Honolulu.
