Airport security wait times have turned into a real guessing game, especially with the recent shutdown affecting a key U.S. government department. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers’ presence plays a crucial role in whether lines move swiftly or stretch far outside airport terminals.
Recently, travelers at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport faced grueling hours-long waits due to staffing shortages, leading some to miss their flights altogether. In contrast, Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, known for its long lines, reported moderate wait times the next day, although one checkpoint had to close due to low staffing.
Experts highlight the unpredictability of wait times, as many TSA personnel are not showing up for their shifts. Roughly 50,000 federal workers responsible for screening passengers have been working without pay while Congress struggles to agree on funding for the Department of Homeland Security.
This current shutdown marks the third occasion that TSA employees have been affected since last fall. The American Federation of Government Employees reports increasing financial strain on these workers, making it challenging to afford basic necessities like gas and childcare while continuing to report for work.
Since the shutdown began on February 14, at least 376 TSA agents have resigned. The department noted that about 10% of TSA officers nationwide missed work on several days between Monday and Wednesday. Last weekend marked the first time these employees experienced paydays without any income.
On one particularly chaotic Wednesday, airports in both Atlanta and Houston reported that approximately 38% of TSA officers called out sick, while Philadelphia International Airport saw a 33% absentee rate and New York’s JFK Airport had 25% of its TSA officers absent.
Eric Rosen, director of travel content at The Points Guy, characterized the situation as both unfortunate and extreme. “It has been dragging on far too long, and it’s only likely to get worse,” he stated.
Rosen recommended travelers check the security line wait times for their specific airports through official websites or social media. Some airports even provide updates on which security checkpoints are open or closed, which can be crucial information for those navigating through busy terminals.
For those using regular security lanes, programs that allow travelers to skip ahead can be lifesavers. For instance, during an incident in Houston where wait times reached three hours, TSA PreCheck members managed to get through in just 10 minutes, showcasing the program’s value.
DHS had initially planned to suspend the PreCheck program during the shutdown but quickly reversed that decision. Global Entry, another program that helps frequent travelers, faced a temporary halt of two and a half weeks.
Another option for reducing wait times is Clear+, a paid membership service that allows users to bypass some lines. However, the company has not disclosed whether they’ve experienced an uptick in memberships recently.
Traveler Sara Oberton shared her frustrating experience at Houston’s Terminal E, where she and fellow passengers were funneled into a single line, regardless of whether they had Clear+ or TSA PreCheck. “It took me three hours to get through the line, and I missed my flight to Los Angeles,” she lamented in a social media video.
Rosen also advised those who arrive early but still face long lines to approach an airline representative to see if they can assist in cutting the line. “It might feel a bit awkward, but if you’re in danger of missing your flight, it’s worth asking,” he suggested.
However, it’s important to note that airlines are not obligated to help passengers who are stranded due to TSA staffing issues. “It’s not their responsibility to ensure you make it to the gate on time,” Rosen clarified.
