SAN ANTONIO – Travelers are experiencing relatively short security lines at San Antonio International Airport, with wait times averaging between five to ten minutes. This is a welcome relief for passengers amid rising delays at several major airports across the country due to increased absences among Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers during the ongoing partial federal government shutdown.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has reported that major airports facing significant delays include those in Atlanta, New Orleans, both Houston airports, Pittsburgh, and New York City. These delays are attributed to a sharp increase in TSA employee “callouts,” which have more than doubled since the shutdown began on February 14.
On March 16, the callout rates for TSA employees at various major airports were alarming, with 38.8% at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, 37.1% at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, 35.2% at Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport, and 30.4% at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. LaGuardia Airport recorded a 20.8% callout rate, while Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport was at 24.4%, according to DHS data.
The situation escalated over the weekend, with callout rates exceeding 50% at Houston airports, and surpassing 30% in both New Orleans and Atlanta. Notably, Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport experienced the highest single-day airport callout during the shutdown.
Throughout the shutdown period, the average callout rates were particularly high at Atlanta (21.46%), John F. Kennedy International Airport (21.40%), Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport (20.98%), New Orleans (16.46%), and Pittsburgh (13.81%). Over 360 TSA workers have resigned in the past month as frustrations mount among government employees.
TSA employees and other federal workers have expressed concerns about their financial stability, struggling to cover basic expenses such as gas for their commutes. The ongoing standoff between the White House and Democratic leaders has left many without a resolution in sight.
In response to the hardship faced by TSA workers in San Antonio, community organizations have stepped in to provide support. For instance, the San Antonio Food Bank has organized drives specifically for TSA employees in the area.
Travelers are advised to monitor their flights closely. While passengers flying out of San Antonio may not encounter significant security delays, those connecting through or traveling to airports with higher callout rates should be prepared for longer lines, delays, or potential cancellations. Checking with airlines prior to travel is highly recommended to ensure a smooth experience.
