Airport Delays: TSA Lines Stretch at Major U.S. Airports Amid Government Shutdown Travelers at several U.S. airports faced significant delays as TSA agents, affected by a partial government shutdown, began skipping work due to unpaid wages. The situation intensified during the busy spring break travel period, with security lines at major hubs stretching for hours. Airlines and airports warned passengers to arrive well in advance of their flights to avoid prolonged waits. The partial shutdown, which began in February, has left TSA agents without pay for their first full paycheck, prompting some to stay home. This has led to reduced staffing at security checkpoints, resulting in longer wait times. The impact was particularly noticeable at airports like Houston Hobby and New Orleans Louis Armstrong, where lines reportedly extended into baggage claim areas and parking garages. At New Orleans Louis Armstrong Airport, officials urged travelers to arrive three hours early for Monday flights, citing wait times that could reach up to two hours. The airport warned that delays might persist through the week. Similarly, Houston Hobby Airport advised passengers to arrive three to four hours before their flights, with TSA lines potentially exceeding 120 minutes. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport also reported extended wait times at TSA checkpoints, though specific durations were not disclosed. The airport urged travelers to monitor updates through official channels. Meanwhile, Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport noted that fewer TSA lanes due to the shutdown could lead to longer lines, though it reported wait times of 20 minutes or less as of Monday afternoon.#tsa #houston_hobby #new_orleans_louis_armstrong #hartsfieldjackson_atlanta_international #george_bush_intercontinental
