TSA Wait Times Vary Wildly in Shutdown

March 17, 2026·20 days ago·via USA Today

TSA wait times fluctuate wildly across U.S. airports amid the ongoing partial government shutdown, with lines stretching for hours at hubs like New Orleans, Houston, Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, Newark, and JFK. Staffing shortages plague the Transportation Security Administration as thousands of employees work without pay, leading to rising absences, fewer open lanes, and even some agents quitting.

Meandering Boots

Travel Briefing

✓Travel news & destinations
✓Top travel headlines
✓Smart travel tips & inspiration
✓Free — no spam, unsubscribe anytime

Related Coverage

WebsiteHow to Navigate TSA Wait Times Amid the Partial Government Shutdown — Condé Nast Traveler

WebsiteTSA Staffing Crisis Causes Major Delays: Three-Hour Wait Times at US Airports — Here’s How to Prepare — Travel And Tour World

SubstackBack in Print — The Contender

WebsiteDFW Spring Break 2026: 4.7 Million Travelers Test Airport Limits — The Traveler

WebsiteDelta Air Lines' Biggest Hub Reacts To TSA Concerns With Unsettling Response As Wait Times Exceed An Hour — TheTravel

WebsiteDonations for Unpaid TSA Agents, Growing Lines: The Shutdown Hits U.S. Airports — Skift

Meandering Boots

Travel Briefing

✓Travel news & destinations
✓Top travel headlines
✓Smart travel tips & inspiration
✓Free — no spam, unsubscribe anytime