Philadelphia International Airport TSA Wait Times Extended Due to Government Shutdown Travelers departing from Philadelphia International Airport are experiencing extended security screening delays as three terminals remain closed due to temporary TSA checkpoint closures. The closures, announced by airport officials on March 18, affect Terminal A-West, Terminal F, and Terminal C, with no set timeline for their reopening. These measures are part of efforts to optimize operations across remaining checkpoints amid ongoing staffing challenges linked to the partial government shutdown. The shutdown, now in its 34th day, has disrupted the Department of Homeland Security and impacted hundreds of TSA employees nationwide. With limited staffing, TSA officials have implemented temporary closures to manage the workload. Airport authorities recommend passengers arrive two-and-a-half hours before domestic flights and three-and-a-half hours prior to international departures to account for longer wait times. Real-time updates on TSA wait times and checkpoint hours are available on the airport’s official website. Airport officials acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the closures, stating in a social media post that they are working with TSA and airline partners to maintain efficient operations. However, the situation is expected to worsen as the shutdown continues. A DHS spokesperson noted that security screening delays are likely to increase, with over 300 TSA officers having resigned since the shutdown began. Callout rates for agents are currently double the normal level, and officials warned that resignations and callouts may rise further as the shutdown extends. TSA agents have also faced financial uncertainty, with many missing their first full paycheck on March 13.#tsa #department_of_homeland_security #philadelphia_international_airport #government_shutdown #american_airlines
Hundreds of passengers stranded in Newark, New Jersey, USA as Newark Liberty International Airport delays 168 flights and cancels 10, disrupting major airlines and travel routes Travel plans were upended for hundreds of passengers this week as Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) faced significant operational disruptions, with 168 flights delayed and 10 flights canceled. The chaos left travelers stranded, frustrated, and scrambling for alternate routes and accommodations. Flights to major domestic hubs, key U.S. cities, transcontinental services, and international departures were impacted, creating a ripple effect across airline networks and travel itineraries. The delays and cancellations at EWR, a major gateway for the New York metropolitan area, tested the patience of families, business travelers, and tourists, highlighting the fragility of air travel during peak seasons. Whether it was a family trying to start a much-needed vacation, a business traveler hurrying to a critical meeting, or an international visitor returning home, the sequence of disrupted flights tested the resilience of many who passed through Newark’s busy terminals. Passengers encountered shifting departure boards, long waits at gates, and the arduous task of rebooking as airline and airport staff worked to manage the chaos. The disruption at Newark Liberty International Airport saw 168 delayed departures and 10 cancellations across several major airlines and routes. Newark, which serves the New York/New Jersey region alongside John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia, is a crucial hub for carriers like United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, as well as numerous international operators.#delta_air_lines #federal_aviation_administration #united_airlines #newark_liberty_international_airport #american_airlines
TSA PreCheck Touchless ID offers a faster way to bypass security lines at U.S. airports. As wait times at security checkpoints continue to rise, travelers can use this biometric verification system to streamline their experience. The program, which leverages facial recognition technology, allows passengers to complete identity checks without traditional document checks, reducing delays. TSA highlights that Touchless ID lanes at participating airports typically have the shortest wait times compared to standard security lines. The system is currently available at 65 U.S. airports, though enrollment requires specific steps. Travelers must already have TSA PreCheck eligibility and an active frequent flyer profile with an airline that participates in the program. Additionally, they must have uploaded valid passport information to their airline account. Enrollment processes vary by airline. Alaska Airlines requires users to have an Atmost Rewards account, with enrollment steps outlined on the airline’s website. American Airlines mandates an annual opt-in through its rewards program, while Delta allows SkyMiles account holders to enroll. Southwest Airlines enables enrollment via Rapid Rewards accounts, and United Airlines requires a Mileage Plus account for participation. Each airline provides detailed instructions for activating the service. The TSA has shared a map of all 65 airports where Touchless ID is available, though the article does not list them individually. Travelers can access this information through the TSA’s official website. For those seeking to compare wait times, a table of TSA wait times at major airports is also referenced, though the specific data is not included in the text.#delta_airlines #american_airlines #tsa_precheck #touchless_id #alaska_airlines
Philadelphia airport travelers adjust to checkpoint closures amid TSA staffing shortages Travelers arriving at Philadelphia International Airport on Wednesday faced closed security checkpoints as the ongoing federal government shutdown strained TSA staffing levels. While the closures disrupted normal operations, security lines remained shorter than at many other airports nationwide. Passengers reported arriving early to avoid delays, though wait times were generally manageable. One traveler noted, “I’ve been following it for a couple days. I saw they were closing a few more terminals last night, so we got here early.” Despite having TSA PreCheck, some opted to avoid potential delays. Airport officials had already closed Terminal C’s checkpoint the previous week, and additional closures occurred on Wednesday morning at Terminals F and A-West. Only three checkpoints remained operational: Terminals D/E, A-East, and B. Lines fluctuated throughout the day as passengers adapted to the changes. For some, the experience in Philadelphia was less stressful than at other airports. Laurie Segreto of Sarasota, Florida, remarked, “It’s not as bad as what I’ve seen on the news in other airports.” Passengers connecting through Philadelphia from Chicago described the crowds as significantly smaller than those at O’Hare Airport. “58,000 more people than this,” said Brittiney Cousin of Chicago. Elijah Watkins, also from Chicago, added, “The line was ridiculous. The line was way out—people were coming in every second on the second.” TSA officials attributed the checkpoint closures to rising employee callouts during the shutdown. To support federal workers still on duty, American Airlines staff provided free lunches to TSA employees on Wednesday. TSA employee Jeff Craig expressed gratitude, stating, “It means everything.#dhs #tsa #philadelphia #philadelphia_international_airport #american_airlines
Air Travelers Use TSA PreCheck Touchless IDs to Avoid Long Security Lines With the government shutdown causing staffing shortages and prolonged security delays at airports, travelers are turning to TSA PreCheck Touchless IDs to bypass long lines. The new technology allows eligible passengers to expedite the screening process by using facial recognition to verify their identity, according to a recent TSA post. This system has become a lifeline for those frustrated by the chaos caused by the partial government shutdown, which has left 50,000 security officers unpaid and many choosing to leave their posts or take unpaid leave. The staffing crisis has led to severe delays, making even expedited programs like TSA PreCheck and Clear ineffective. However, the Touchless ID system offers a faster alternative by enabling travelers to use dedicated lanes to avoid security bottlenecks. This initiative is a collaboration between U.S. Customs and Border Protection, airports, and airlines, aiming to streamline the process for eligible passengers. To access this service, travelers must meet specific criteria. They must be enrolled in the TSA PreCheck program with a Known Traveler Number, have an active airline profile with a participating carrier, and upload a valid passport number to their profile. Additionally, they must carry a REAL ID-compliant physical ID in case a TSA officer requests it. Participating airlines include American, Alaska, Delta, Southwest, and United. Travelers must also sign up for the program through their airline’s loyalty program under the “travel documents” section before checking in for their flights. Despite the requirements, many travelers find the system worth the effort. One satisfied customer reported arriving at the airport at 5:35 a.m.#southwest_airlines #delta_airlines #american_airlines #tsa_precheck #us_customs_and_border_protection
American Airlines and Delta Air Lines raise revenue forecasts as booking trends surge, travelers secure fares ahead of price hikes U.S. airline executives are reporting some of the strongest booking trends in the industry’s history, driven by a surge in demand from premium leisure and corporate travelers. These customers are rushing to purchase tickets before anticipated price increases linked to soaring fuel costs. Delta Air Lines has revised its sales growth expectations, now projecting high single-digit growth for the first quarter, up from its previous 5% to 7% range. American Airlines, based in Fort Worth and dominant at DFW International Airport, expects revenue to rise more than 10% in the quarter—a record for the company—despite fuel expenses pushing earnings projections toward the lower end of its initial guidance range. The upward trend in bookings is partly attributed to the Iran war, which has triggered a sharp spike in energy prices. Airlines are grappling with rising fuel costs, which now account for a significant portion of their operating expenses. American Airlines noted that the rapid increase in fuel prices has led it to revise its adjusted loss per diluted share forecast to the lower end of its first-quarter guidance range of 10 cents to 50 cents. Delta’s shares rose as much as 4.8% in early U.S. trading, while American’s stock jumped 5.2%, marking its largest gain in a month. Industry leaders highlighted the financial strain caused by fuel costs, with Delta CEO Ed Bastian revealing a $400 million spike in fuel expenses this month. Bastian emphasized that corporate demand is likely to remain strong if prices stay elevated for the next two months, though lower-cost carriers may struggle to absorb the increased oil prices.#iran_war #delta_air_lines #american_airlines #fort_worth #dfw_international_airport
Delta, American Raise Revenue Guidance, Citing Growth in Demand Delta Air Lines and American Airlines raised their revenue expectations for the first quarter on Tuesday, despite facing higher jet fuel prices since the war in Iran began. Delta CEO Ed Bastian told CNBC that demand growth is offsetting the rising cost of fuel, with the airline reporting strong performance across main cabin, premium, loyalty programs, and other segments. Both carriers adjusted their revenue guidance ahead of the JPMorgan industry conference, reflecting increased confidence in market conditions. Delta acknowledged a $400 million hit to its fourth-quarter earnings but emphasized that demand has been "really, really great," leading to higher revenue growth than initially anticipated. Bastian noted that the increased revenue is helping counterbalance not only fuel costs but also the impact of a challenging winter season marked by severe weather. He added that the airline expects to meet its original earnings guidance of 50 to 90 cents per share for the first quarter. Delta had previously forecast a 7% sales increase and adjusted earnings between 50 and 90 cents per share. American Airlines also revised its revenue outlook, projecting a more than 10% increase for the first quarter, up from its earlier expectation of 7% to 10%. CEO Robert Isom highlighted the "incredibly strong" revenue growth, stating that the trend is expected to continue throughout the year. Both airlines faced significant financial pressures, with American reporting a $400 million expense hit for the first quarter due to fuel costs. Isom emphasized the industry's resilience, noting that the company is prepared to adapt to ongoing challenges.#delta_air_lines #american_airlines #ed_bastian #robert_isom #jpmorgan_conference
US Airline CEOs Urge Congress to End Shutdown and Pay Airport Workers Major airline executives have called on U.S. lawmakers to end the ongoing government shutdown, which has left airport workers unpaid and caused widespread travel disruptions. American Airlines, Delta, Southwest, and JetBlue have joined a letter to Congress demanding immediate funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The shutdown, which began in February, has left TSA employees without pay, forcing them to work without compensation while facing financial hardship. The DHS has been operating without funding since February after Congress failed to reach a budget agreement. The Trump administration has blamed the delay on Democratic lawmakers, who refused to approve funding without immigration reforms. In their letter, airline CEOs emphasized that the shutdown has turned air travel into a political issue, urging lawmakers to prioritize resolving the funding crisis. They called for an agreement to restore DHS funding and legislation to ensure air traffic controllers are paid regardless of government funding changes. TSA workers, who are considered essential, have missed their first full paycheck since the shutdown began. Many have struggled to meet basic needs, with some unable to afford food, gas, or rent. Over 300 TSA employees have resigned, and call-out rates for remaining staff have more than doubled. The staffing shortages, combined with severe weather warnings and spring break travel, have led to significant delays at major airports. At Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, travelers were advised to arrive at least 2.5 hours before domestic flights due to prolonged delays.#american_airlines #us_airline_ceos #delta #southwest #jetblue
TSA Staff Resignations Spark Airport Chaos Amid Government Shutdown A growing number of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents have resigned or taken unscheduled time off amid a partial government shutdown, exacerbating travel disruptions as winter storms hit the Midwest and spring break travelers rush to the skies. The Department of Homeland Security reported that over 300 TSA employees have left their posts since the funding lapse began in mid-February, while others have missed work due to financial strain. This has led to longer security lines, delayed flights, and heightened stress for passengers at major airports. The shutdown, which began over a month ago, has left TSA workers without full pay, prompting many to seek alternative income sources. In a letter to Congress, airline CEOs from American, Delta, Southwest, and JetBlue urged lawmakers to restore funding for the Department of Homeland Security and implement a bipartisan solution to ensure federal aviation workers are paid during future shutdowns. The letter highlighted the difficulty of meeting basic needs without pay, noting that “it’s difficult, if not impossible, to put food on the table, put gas in the car and pay rent when you are not getting paid.” Union leaders have echoed these concerns. Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, called the mass resignations “no surprise,” emphasizing that most workers would quit if they weren’t paid on time. However, he acknowledged that many TSA officers continue to perform their duties with “care and professionalism.” Last year, over 1,110 TSA employees left the agency during a previous shutdown, and similar patterns are emerging now. The staffing crisis has been compounded by a surge in unscheduled absences.#southwest_airlines #delta_airlines #tsa #department_of_homeland_security #american_airlines
American Airlines Reacts And Increases Flight Disruptions Due To Tornado Threats In The Midwest Severe storms and confirmed tornadoes swept through parts of the Midwest and South on Tuesday, leaving widespread damage and disrupting air travel across the region. The storm system has led to hundreds of delays and cancellations for several major airlines, including American Airlines, at key hubs like O'Hare International Airport and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. These weather-related delays come at a time when American Airlines has already faced criticism from both passengers and its own employees over how the airline handles flight interruptions. Here’s what travelers should know about the most recent flight impacts and why they could continue even after the storms pass. Severe Storms Places Millions Under Tornado Threat Across The Midwest And South On Tuesday night, several tornadoes were confirmed as the storm system moved through parts of the Midwest and South. According to The Weather Channel, Texas recorded three tornado reports in Callahan, Kinney, and Taylor counties. Another tornado was reported in Union City, Oklahoma, while Mount Sterling, Iowa, also saw a confirmed touchdown. In Illinois, a tornado was reported in Kankakee before crossing into Indiana. Additionally, officials issued a tornado emergency after one touched down in Knox County. The National Weather Service (NWS) says a tornado emergency is its highest alert level. When a tornado emergency is issued, it means that a tornado has touched down and there is imminent danger. The storms also produced unusually large hail, with some reports describing hailstones as large as grapefruits and coffee mugs.#national_weather_service #southwest_airlines #american_airlines #ohare_international_airport #dallas_fort_worth_international_airport
Reagan National Airport Evacuated After Suspicious Package Discovered Passengers at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) were evacuated from a concourse early Thursday morning after a suspicious package was found in a break room. Authorities confirmed the item was cleared by the Arlington County Fire Department approximately an hour and a half after its discovery, with airport operations resuming normal operations. The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) reported that the safety perimeter was established by airport police, and passengers were removed from D Concourse following the investigation. The suspicious package was located around 9 a.m., prompting the evacuation of the concourse. MWAA advised travelers to reconfirm their flight times and gate assignments with their airlines due to the incident. While the airport’s operations have returned to normal, more than 100 flights in or out of DCA were delayed on Thursday morning, according to FlightAware. However, it remains unclear how many of these delays are directly linked to the evacuation. Concourse D, which is part of Terminal 2, serves American Airlines and was the site of the incident. The disruption occurred amid ongoing challenges at the Transportation Security Administration, as employees faced unpaid paychecks during a partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security. The airport’s response to the situation included swift action to ensure passenger safety, with authorities confirming the item posed no threat. Despite the temporary disruption, the airport’s management emphasized that operations are now fully restored. Travelers are encouraged to stay informed about their flight status and follow updates from their respective airlines.#reagan_national_airport #arlington_county_fire_department #metropolitan_washington_airports_authority #terminal_2 #american_airlines
