If you’re flying in the US, be prepared for potentially lengthy waits. Airports across the country are experiencing increased security checkpoint lines as a result of TSA worker absences due to the ongoing government shutdown and resulting missed paychecks.
How long are the TSA delays?
Delays at TSA checkpoints have been unpredictable in recent days, varying significantly from airport to airport and even from day to day. On Thursday, Houston George Bush International Airport experienced the worst delays, with some lines exceeding two hours, though wait times decreased to five minutes later that night. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest airport, saw delays of over 90 minutes on most days this week, but reported no wait times by Thursday night.
Airports are providing wait time information to travelers. For example, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport advised passengers on Wednesday to arrive at least three hours before their flight. Lines at JFK airport terminals exceeded 35 minutes early Friday morning, while Newark reported 7-minute waits and LaGuardia around 1 minute. Dallas-Fort Worth experienced waits over 25 minutes during the Thursday morning rush, and Denver reported 15-minute lines Thursday night. Some airports, like Las Vegas, have seen minimal delays.
The unpredictability of staffing levels is a key factor in the fluctuating wait times. According to Sheldon H. Jacobson, founder professor of engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, “The current unpredictability is being driven by unpredictable staffing levels, basically, how many TSA officers are showing up for work on any given day.” He as well noted that TSA officers are cross-trained, meaning the number of staff present is the critical element.
How to check TSA wait times
Travelers can check TSA wait times on airport websites, with major hubs like Atlanta, Houston, JFK, Newark, Philadelphia, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Denver posting live updates. The MyTSA app also provides estimated wait times, though it may rely on historical data if live information is unavailable and the TSA is not actively managing updates during the shutdown.
How long will the TSA delays persist?
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated on Thursday that airport delays could worsen as TSA employees approach their next payday. He warned that the current disruptions “is going to seem like child’s play” compared to what may occur next week. Both Duffy and Adam Stahl, the TSA’s acting deputy administrator, suggested that some airports could even be forced to close.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are TSA wait times currently affected?
TSA wait times are currently unpredictable, with some airports experiencing significant delays due to a high number of TSA agents calling out.
What is causing the TSA staffing issues?
The staffing issues are a result of a partial government shutdown, which has left Department of Homeland Security and Transportation Security Administration employees unpaid.
Where can I find information about wait times at my airport?
Many airports are posting live TSA wait times on their websites. The MyTSA app also provides estimated wait times, though its accuracy may be limited during the shutdown.
Given the potential for continued disruptions, what steps are you taking to prepare for your next flight?
