Orlando airport wait times spike amid spring break travel Travelers at Orlando International Airport faced significant delays as spring break crowds overwhelmed the facility, with wait times reaching around 40 minutes during peak hours on Monday. The surge in passengers, combined with ongoing staffing challenges at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), contributed to prolonged security lines that stretched through terminal hallways. The delays at Orlando followed reports of widespread staffing shortages at major U.S. airports, including Houston, where nearly half of the TSA workforce was absent on Saturday. These call-outs have disrupted operations across the country, leading to extended wait times for passengers. While Orlando officials confirmed the airport is not currently listed among facilities experiencing high staff call-out rates, the impact of national staffing issues is still evident at the local level. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are set to deploy at 14 airports starting Monday, though Orlando has not yet received notification of its inclusion in the list. Despite this, travelers are being urged to allow extra time for airport navigation, particularly during the morning and late afternoon when security lines are typically the busiest. The situation highlights the strain on airport infrastructure during peak travel periods, with federal staffing shortages exacerbating delays. As spring break continues to drive increased passenger traffic, the challenges faced at Orlando International Airport reflect broader issues affecting air travel across the nation.#transportation_security_administration #spring_break #tampa #orlando_international_airport #u_s_immigration_and_customs_enforcement
Philadelphia International Airport to Temporarily Close Two More Security Checkpoints The ongoing partial government shutdown has led to additional temporary closures of security checkpoints at Philadelphia International Airport. Starting Wednesday, March 18, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will shut down checkpoints at Terminals A-West and F. This follows the earlier closure of Terminal C, which was closed last week. TSA Pre-Check services will remain operational at Terminals A-East, D, and E. The TSA announced the closures as part of efforts to optimize operations across other checkpoints. Employees are being temporarily reassigned to other terminals to help reduce wait times and address staffing shortages caused by the government shutdown. The TSA’s decision was confirmed via a Twitter post from the airport’s official account, which also provided details about TSA operating hours. The agency emphasized that these measures are temporary and aimed at maintaining efficiency during the current staffing challenges. Travelers are advised to arrive at the airport early to account for potential delays. The airport recommends arriving 2.5 hours before domestic flights and 3.5 hours before international flights. Despite the closures, the airport has stated that operations are continuing without major disruptions. The partial government shutdown has affected TSA workers, with many facing unpaid leave. However, the airport has noted that security operations have remained largely unaffected, with employees continuing to work without pay. For further information, travelers are directed to the airport’s official website at PHL.org.#philadelphia_international_airport #transportation_security_administration #terminal_a_west #terminal_f #tsa_pre_check
Delays and Cancellations Persist at Major U.S. Airports Dozens of flights from Newark Liberty International, LaGuardia, and John F. Kennedy airports were delayed or cancelled on Sunday, March 22, 2026, as part of a broader pattern of disruptions linked to ongoing funding disputes and adverse weather conditions. The situation reflects a growing challenge for travelers, with delays and cancellations escalating in recent weeks due to a standoff in Washington over funding for the Department of Homeland Security. This includes the Transportation Security Administration, which has faced staffing shortages as TSA workers have gone unpaid for weeks. The resulting absences have led to longer security line waits and operational slowdowns at major airports. According to FlightAware, as of 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, Newark Liberty International reported 41 delayed flights and eight cancellations, while LaGuardia had 42 delays and eight cancellations. John F. Kennedy International faced the highest impact, with 73 delays and 11 cancellations. Nationally, 8,531 flights were delayed and 480 were cancelled at the same time. The disruptions are expected to worsen throughout the day as conditions remain volatile. TSA checkpoints at Newark experienced wait times ranging from 1 to 12 minutes, depending on the terminal and gate, according to the airport’s real-time tracking system. The staffing crisis has been exacerbated by political gridlock, as Democrats have refused to fund U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement without operational reforms following the deaths of two U.S. citizens during an immigration campaign in Minneapolis.#department_of_homeland_security #transportation_security_administration #newark_liberty_international #laguardia_airport #john_f_kennedy_airport
Philadelphia International Airport Closes More Security Checkpoints Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown Philadelphia International Airport announced additional security checkpoint closures on Wednesday as the partial government shutdown affecting the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) continues. The closures impact Terminals A-West and F, joining Terminal C, which was already closed last week as a PreCheck-only checkpoint. TSA PreCheck services remain operational at Terminals A-East and D/E. Travelers reported long security lines at the airport on Thursday morning, with some lines stretching to baggage claim. The closures are linked to staffing shortages at TSA due to the partial shutdown, which has left roughly 50,000 TSA officers working without pay since February 14. Affected workers missed their first full paychecks on Friday. Internal TSA data obtained by CBS News revealed that over 350 officers have resigned during the shutdown, exacerbating staffing challenges and causing delays at airports nationwide. The airport advised travelers to use specific checkpoints based on their terminal: those departing from Terminal A-West should use A-East, Terminal C travelers should use Terminal B, and Terminal F passengers should opt for D/E. The airport emphasized that all terminals remain connected past security, allowing access to any gate from an open checkpoint. To mitigate delays, the airport recommended arriving 2.5 hours early for domestic flights and 3.5 hours early for international flights. Jana Tidwell of AAA warned travelers to plan even more time, noting that wait times could exceed four to five hours.#philadelphia #philadelphia_international_airport #transportation_security_administration #government_shutdown #tsa_precheck
Navigating Airport Security Delays During TSA Shutdown Travelers at U.S. airports are facing extended security line waits as a partial government shutdown strains Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staffing. With some wait times stretching past an hour, passengers are advised to adjust their travel plans to avoid delays. At Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, reports indicate wait times of up to two hours, while travelers at New Orleans and Austin, Texas, are urged to arrive at least three hours before their flights. Other airports have seen wait times remain within normal ranges, creating uncertainty for those accustomed to last-minute arrivals. The uneven delays stem from a combination of factors, including the ongoing partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security and the surge in spring break travelers. The shutdown, which began on February 14, has left approximately 50,000 TSA agents working without pay, contributing to staffing shortages. As the shutdown drags on, employee absences are rising due to financial strain, with the American Federation of Government Employees noting that at least 366 TSA agents have quit during the crisis. Monitoring wait times has become critical for travelers, but traditional methods may not be reliable. The TSA’s MyTSA mobile app, which typically provides estimated wait times, may not reflect current conditions due to the shutdown. Third-party websites tracking TSA lines could also offer outdated information if they rely on publicly available data. Experts recommend checking airport websites and social media accounts, including platforms like X, for real-time updates.#austin_texas #american_federation_of_government_employees #new_orleans #transportation_security_administration #atlanta_hartsfield_jackson_international_airport
Airport Security Lines Are Long. Here's What to Know if You're Flying Travelers are facing long waits at airport security checkpoints as the Department of Homeland Security remains shut down, leading to staffing shortages and delays. With spring break in full swing, major airports in Houston, Atlanta, and New Orleans are reporting wait times of up to two hours, with some advising passengers to arrive three hours before their flights. In Philadelphia, three security checkpoints were closed entirely due to a lack of staff. The shutdown has left Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers without pay, as the agency is not funded by Congress. Over 50,000 TSA employees have been working without a full paycheck, and more than 300 officers have quit since the shutdown began on February 14. In Houston, nearly half of TSA staff called in sick, while a third did the same in Atlanta and New Orleans. These staffing issues are compounded by severe weather and school closures, which have further disrupted travel. President Trump has threatened to deploy Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to airports if Congress does not fund the Department of Homeland Security. He promised to use ICE agents to enhance security and make arrests of undocumented immigrants. Meanwhile, a bipartisan group of senators is working with the White House to resolve the shutdown and address immigration enforcement reforms. Transportation officials warn that the situation could worsen if the shutdown is not resolved. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that a second missed paycheck could lead to more staff resigning, potentially forcing some smaller airports to close. Billionaire Elon Musk has offered to personally pay TSA staff during the funding impasse, though U.S.#georgia #texas #louisiana #department_of_homeland_security #transportation_security_administration
TSA Wait Times at Philadelphia International Airport: What Weekend Travelers Should Know Philadelphia International Airport is among the busiest in the nation, designated as a Core 30 airport by the Federal Aviation Administration. Combined with the high volume of travelers on Fridays, which are among the busiest days for air travel, understanding TSA wait times is critical for weekend flyers. As of Friday morning, March 20, the average TSA security wait time at PHL is approximately 30 minutes. Travelers with TSA PreCheck, particularly at Terminal D/E, can expect a significantly shorter wait, with the process taking around 25 minutes less than standard security lines. Those planning to depart PHL this weekend or early next week are advised to check the airport’s real-time TSA wait time website frequently for updates. It’s important to note that the Transportation Safety Administration does not offer reimbursement for missed flights caused by delays in the security screening process. However, travelers may consider purchasing third-party travel insurance to cover such expenses. Additional delays could occur due to recent terminal closures at PHL. Terminal C was shut down in early March, followed by the closure of Terminal A-West and Terminal F. These closures have increased the volume of passengers at remaining terminals, potentially lengthening wait times. The ongoing partial federal government shutdown is also affecting air travel nationwide. TSA has reported an absence rate of about 10%, which has strained staffing levels and contributed to extended security lines. Travelers are encouraged to arrive at the airport well in advance to account for these factors. (This story has been updated to correct a misspelling in a headline)#federal_aviation_administration #philadelphia_international_airport #transportation_security_administration #tsa_precheck #terminal_d_e
Unpaid TSA Workers Struggle Amid Government Shutdown, Straining Airports and Travelers Travelers faced prolonged delays at major airports as unpaid Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers struggled to stay on duty during a partial government shutdown. Security lines stretched for hours, with wait times expected to worsen over the weekend. At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, passengers endured over two hours in security lines by early Saturday, while delays at Orlando and JFK airports reached an hour and half, respectively. Carlos Monroe, a traveler whose family missed a 6 a.m. flight after waiting more than three hours, criticized the situation, calling it “not fair” and lamenting that “the big people aren’t paying the price for the little people.” The financial strain on TSA officers, who have been working without full pay since mid-February, has led to widespread absenteeism and resignations. Nearly 10% of TSA workers called in sick on Thursday, just below the record 10.22% absentee rate set earlier in the week. Over 366 officers have quit since the shutdown began, according to the Department of Homeland Security. At Hartsfield-Jackson, more than a third of screeners were absent earlier this week, forcing passengers to wait in security lines for up to two hours. In Houston, over half of TSA workers called out on Friday, exacerbating the crisis. The situation has reached a breaking point for many workers, who are grappling with eviction notices, vehicle repossessions, and empty bank accounts.#hartsfieldjackson_atlanta_international_airport #transportation_security_administration #john_pistole #orlando_international_airport #sean_duffy
Airport Closures Loom as DHS Funding Stalemate Continues The ongoing political deadlock in Washington, DC over funding the Department of Homeland Security has caused severe disruptions at airports, with long security lines and potential closures threatening to disrupt travel. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has warned that smaller airports could be forced to shut down entirely if staffing shortages persist, as federal workers remain unpaid during the government shutdown. Acting Deputy Administrator Adam Stahl emphasized that the situation is dire, stating, “It’s not hyperbole to suggest that we may have to quite literally shut down airports, particularly smaller ones, if call-out rates go up.” While the TSA does not have the authority to unilaterally close an airport, Stahl explained that operations cannot continue without sufficient personnel to screen passengers and crew. “As the weeks continue, our TSA officers, as long as they don’t get paid, they’re going to continue to call out, they can’t afford to come in, and they’re going to quit altogether,” he said. The funding lapse for DHS, which has lasted over a month, has left TSA workers without pay for their duties during the shutdown. Union leaders reported that many employees have quit or taken unpaid leave due to financial strain, including costs for gas and child care. This has led to widespread staffing shortages, with some airports experiencing nearly half their staff absent on certain days. The impact varies across airports. While major hubs like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International and Houston’s Hobby Airport have seen significant staff absences, they are less likely to close due to their high passenger volume.#transportation_security_administration #dhs_funding_stalemate #adam_stahl #john_pistole #tsa_staffing_shortages
How to get TSA PreCheck: Steps to take as long security lines persist at US airports Long security lines at U.S. airports continued to plague travelers on Monday, with major hubs like O’Hare International Airport experiencing severe delays. The situation has worsened due to a combination of factors, including the ongoing partial government shutdown, spring break travel surges, and widespread flight cancellations and delays caused by powerful storms across the eastern United States. Airport authorities are urging passengers to arrive at least two and a half hours before domestic flights to avoid extended waits. For those seeking to bypass the chaos, TSA PreCheck offers a faster security experience. The federal program allows trusted travelers to use dedicated lanes, reducing wait times to under 10 minutes for most passengers. Children under 17 can accompany an enrolled adult at no additional cost. However, the program requires a fee of $85 for five years, and while the enrollment process can begin online, it must be completed in person. The current partial government shutdown, which began on February 14, has strained TSA operations, leading to staffing shortages at security checkpoints. The shutdown has also left many TSA workers without pay, with some facing financial hardships such as eviction notices, vehicle repossessions, and empty refrigerators. Over 300 TSA agents have quit since the shutdown began, exacerbating the staffing crisis. Union leaders have warned that wait times could worsen as the shutdown continues, but many TSA employees are still reporting for duty despite their struggles.#department_of_homeland_security #american_federation_of_government_employees #transportation_security_administration #ohare_international_airport #tsa_precheck
Senate Democrats Seek to End DHS Shutdown While Blocking GOP Efforts Senate Democrats have expressed a desire to conclude the government shutdown but have repeatedly obstructed Republican efforts to reopen the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), as they push for immigration enforcement reforms. On Friday, Senator Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., stated at a news conference following an antisemitic attack on the Temple Israel synagogue in her state that "certainly" Congress must fund DHS. However, Slotkin and most Senate Democrats have voted four times to block DHS funding, including several attempts to temporarily reopen the agency while negotiations continue. Slotkin is among several Senate Democrats advocating for an end to the shutdown. Republicans argue that these votes are part of a broader Democratic strategy to shift blame for the shutdown onto them. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and other Democrats have shifted their approach, aiming to reopen most of DHS while blaming Republicans for blocking their efforts. Senator Roger Marshall, R-Kan., criticized Democrats for attempting to deflect responsibility, stating, "Well, that’s what they do, right? And they're good at it. They're really good at it." He noted that Democrats have voted against funding DHS four times. Schumer accused Republicans of using federal workers from agencies under DHS, such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), as "hostages." He asserted, "I remind my Republican colleagues, we're going to be back here again and again, winning this debate and eventually winning the American people.#department_of_homeland_security #senate_democrats #transportation_security_administration #chuck_schumer #federal_emergency_management_agency
Spring break travelers face long TSA lines and flight delays as the U.S. government shutdown strains airport operations Passengers heading to airports during the ongoing partial government shutdown are experiencing significant delays, with long security lines and flight cancellations reported across the country. Travel expert Eric Napoli, chief legal officer at AirHelp, warned that security lines at some airports are exceeding three hours, urging travelers to plan ahead and adjust their schedules to avoid missing flights. The disruptions stem from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown, which has led to a shortage of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers. Over 300 TSA agents have left the agency since the shutdown began, and unscheduled absences have risen to about 6% nationwide. Napoli emphasized that the lack of paid staffing has created operational strain, contributing to delays at airports nationwide. Footage from Austin, Texas, showed security lines stretching outside airport terminals early Friday, with passengers waiting hours to board flights. Napoli told FOX Business that many travelers who underestimated the impact of the shutdown are missing their flights, highlighting the need for proactive planning. Global Entry processing, which had been paused earlier during the shutdown, resumed last Wednesday. Napoli noted this could help alleviate congestion by diverting some travelers away from standard security lines. He recommended booking early-morning flights, which are less likely to be affected by cascading delays throughout the day. Passengers are also advised to pack essential items in carry-on bags to account for potential baggage delays or overnight disruptions.#texas #department_of_homeland_security #transportation_security_administration #eric_napoli #airhelp
Terminal C checkpoint temporarily closes at PHL due to partial government shutdown Philadelphia International Airport announced that the Transportation Security Administration has temporarily closed one security checkpoint at Terminal C to reallocate staffing resources. The decision comes as a result of the ongoing partial government shutdown, which has disrupted normal operations and led to staffing shortages. TSA workers will experience their first pay period without full compensation on Friday, according to the airport’s statement. The closure of the checkpoint is part of an effort to balance the workload across other security checkpoints, ensuring that travelers can still proceed through security with minimal disruption. The TSA has not provided a specific timeline for when the checkpoint will reopen, but officials emphasized that the adjustment is temporary and aimed at addressing the immediate challenges caused by the government shutdown. The partial shutdown has created significant strain on federal agencies, including the TSA, which relies on federal funding to operate its services. With many employees furloughed or working without pay, the agency has had to make urgent adjustments to maintain essential functions. The impact on airport security operations highlights the broader challenges faced by government agencies during the shutdown, which has affected services nationwide. Philadelphia International Airport officials stated that they are working closely with the TSA to monitor the situation and ensure that passenger flow remains as smooth as possible. While the closure of one checkpoint may cause delays for some travelers, the airport has not issued a formal statement about alternative routes or additional measures to mitigate the impact.#philadelphia_international_airport #transportation_security_administration #phl #government_shutdown #terminal_c
