It’s spring break season in the U.S., and travelers are encountering long security lines as Transportation Security Administration screeners work without pay during a Department of Homeland Security funding shutdown. Congressional Democrats have refused to fund DHS to press for immigration-enforcement reforms.
Waits at major hubs have stretched: Houston and Atlanta reported lines up to two hours, New Orleans advised arriving at least three hours before departure, and Philadelphia temporarily closed three security checkpoints because of short staffing. On social media, former President Trump threatened to deploy Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to staff airport lanes if Democrats don’t agree to fund DHS, and said he had told ICE to “GET READY” to deploy.
Why waits are long
TSA officers are considered essential, so roughly 50,000 have continued working without pay since the shutdown began Feb. 14; many missed their first full paychecks last week. DHS says more than 300 TSA officers have quit, and some airports have seen high call-out and sick rates — more than half of TSA staff in Houston and nearly a third in Atlanta and New Orleans reportedly called out last week. Those staffing shortages come as spring travel demand and severe weather also disrupt operations.
Industry group Airlines for America projected about 2.8 million passengers per day in March and April — a record 171 million passengers for the season — adding pressure to already strained screening operations.
What officials say
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned the situation could worsen if the shutdown continues, saying a second missed paycheck would increase strain and might force smaller airports to temporarily close checkpoints. He emphasized screening remains safe but slower with fewer agents. The U.K. Foreign Office warned of “longer than usual queues at some U.S. airports” and urged travelers to check with airlines and airports.
Elon Musk offered to pay TSA salaries during the funding impasse, but U.S. law generally bars government employees from accepting outside compensation for their work.
Even with disruptions, travel demand remains high
Global events are also affecting travel: the war in Iran has driven up oil prices and jet fuel costs. United Airlines said it will cut some flights in response to doubled fuel prices, moves that could push fares higher. Still, travel industry observers say demand remains strong.
How travelers can prepare
Travel experts urge preparing for uncertainty as much as for long lines. Practical steps:
1. Know before you go
Check your airport’s website for estimated security wait times. TSA posts wait estimates on its site and app, but updates may be irregular during the shutdown. Note that 20 U.S. airports use private screening contractors instead of TSA; those airports (including some large hubs like San Francisco and Kansas City) have not reported the same staffing shortfalls.
2. Budget extra time
Arrive earlier than usual. Even if wait times look short, conditions can change quickly and lanes (including PreCheck) can close unexpectedly, adding significant delay.
3. Consider biometric or expedited options
Sign up for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry and opt into biometric screening in your airline app to speed through security. A last-minute alternative is the private CLEAR program, which allows on-site enrollment but costs about $209 per year (some credit cards reimburse it). Note expedited lanes aren’t always faster depending on conditions — assess lane lengths on arrival.
4. Make a plan B
Be ready to rebook if you miss connections or a flight is canceled. Install airline apps, save customer-service numbers, and know other airlines that fly your route. While airlines don’t always rebook passengers on competitors, it’s worth asking customer service. If an airline cancels your flight in the U.S., you are entitled to a refund under Department of Transportation rules.
Bottom line: expect longer and less predictable security lines this spring. Check local airport conditions, allow extra time, consider expedited screening if available, and have backup plans for travel disruptions.