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
Travelers wait in long TSA lines at Chicago airports as schools begin spring break amid DHS shutdown Travelers faced extended waits at airport security checkpoints Saturday as Chicago Public Schools started spring break, prompting families to travel. The delays were attributed to a partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security, which has left TSA agents working without pay. President Donald Trump announced plans to deploy ICE agents to major airports as soon as Monday if a funding agreement for DHS is not reached. The move comes amid growing concerns over airport security and the strain on TSA staff. "If the Radical Left Democrats don't immediately sign an agreement to let our Country, in particular, our Airports, be FREE and SAFE again, I will move our brilliant and patriotic ICE Agents to the Airports where they will do Security like no one has ever seen before," Trump stated on Truth Social. The shutdown, now in its fifth week, has left nearly 50,000 TSA workers without pay, with many struggling to afford basic necessities. A DHS spokesperson confirmed that the call-out rate for TSA officers reached 10.22% on Friday, indicating a significant number of staff are unable to work. Travelers expressed frustration over the situation, with one noting, "Travelers are already extremely stressed by the time they get to the airport. Bring it another barrier outside of TSA." Long lines and wait times at airports like Chicago O'Hare International Airport have worsened due to staffing shortages. Travelers like Sheyla Morillon voiced concerns about the chaos, saying, "I'm a little concerned because we're probably in a big group today, and so we have a lot of stuff, so hopefully it just goes by fast.#donald_trump #tsa #department_of_homeland_security #chicago_public_schools #chicago_o_hare_international_airport
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
Over a third of TSA officers called in sick at three major U.S. airports in a single day as a government funding dispute continues to disrupt operations. More than 40% of TSA staff at Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport missed work on Tuesday, while nearly 36% of workers at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and over 34% at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport also called out, according to TSA data. The widespread absenteeism has led to long security lines and delays, with travelers reporting frustration over the lack of staffing. The crisis stems from a partial government shutdown caused by a stalemate over funding for the Department of Homeland Security. TSA employees have not received their first full paycheck since last Friday, and the agency has seen a surge in unscheduled absences. Union representatives described the situation as worsening, with morale declining as workers remain uncertain about when the funding dispute will resolve. Cameron Cochems, a union steward in Boise, Idaho, said, “The morale is getting worse by the day because no one knows when this is gonna end.” He added that travelers are “waiting in line because the government can’t do their job, and it’s ruining people’s lives.” At Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, one traveler, Reggy Monsanto, described the chaos of trying to catch a 45-minute flight. He said he left home at 6 a.m. to arrive at the airport by 2 p.m., highlighting the stress caused by the staffing shortages. Meanwhile, acting deputy TSA administrator Adam Stahl warned that if the call-out rate continues to rise, “there could be scenarios where we may have to shut down airports.” He called the situation “a serious problem” that requires immediate attention.#hartsfield_jackson_atlanta_international_airport #louis_armstrong_new_orleans_international_airport #tsa #homeland_security #houston_william_p_hobby_airport
Power outage disrupts train access to Denver International Airport gates during spring break travel A power outage affected train service to the gates at Denver International Airport on Wednesday morning, causing delays for travelers during the busy spring break period. Airport officials confirmed the incident occurred around 9:20 a.m., with certain areas of the airport still experiencing a power loss nearly an hour later. Technicians were actively working to restore electricity, though no specific timeline was provided for full recovery. The airport issued updates through its social media account, noting that the train system connecting to the gates remained offline and urging passengers to stay informed for further developments. The outage occurred amid heightened travel activity at the airport, with more than 80,000 people expected to pass through security checkpoints daily during the upcoming weekend. This surge in passengers is compounded by ongoing challenges at U.S. airports, including long security lines linked to a partial government shutdown that has left TSA workers unpaid. Airport authorities advised travelers to arrive at least two hours before their flights, regardless of the season, and directed them to check real-time wait times on FlyDenver.com for the most accurate information. The incident highlights the vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure during peak travel periods. While the airport’s emergency response team prioritized restoring power, the disruption underscores the importance of contingency planning for transportation systems. Officials emphasized that the outage was localized and did not affect the broader airport operations, though the train service to gates remains a key component for many travelers.#tsa #denver #spring_break #denver_international_airport #flydenver_com
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
Global Entry Returns to Airports Amid War Disruptions The ongoing conflict with Iran has caused widespread disruptions to international travel, with thousands of flights and excursions canceled and many travelers facing difficulties securing refunds. As tensions escalate in the Middle East, the U.S. government is reinstating the Global Entry program at airports, which had been suspended during the partial government shutdown. The Department of Homeland Security announced the program’s return, allowing pre-approved travelers to expedite their entry into the United States. Global Entry, a fee-based initiative, had been temporarily halted to reallocate personnel to support the broader traveling public during the shutdown. With the war continuing to impact global airspace, the program is now resuming operations. However, experts warn that travel insurance and credit card protections typically do not cover losses related to acts of war. Eric Rosen, director of content at travel website The Points Guy, emphasized that most policies exclude coverage for conflicts, particularly for trips booked with knowledge of ongoing hostilities. Travelers are also facing longer security wait times, especially during peak periods like Spring Break. ABC News reported that over 300 TSA officers have left the agency, and the call-out rate for additional staff has more than doubled since the shutdown began. To mitigate risks, travel experts recommend booking refundable hotel rooms with flexible cancellation policies, avoiding Basic Economy airline tickets that lack change or refund options, and booking directly with airlines and hotels rather than third-party platforms.#tsa #abc_news #department_of_homeland_security #global_entry #the_points_guy
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
Some advocate for TSA airport security privatization amid shutdown At least one expert suggests the government shutdown may persist for an extended period, creating challenges for TSA agents and travelers as peak spring break travel approaches. Despite smooth operations at Ronald Reagan National Airport, long security lines have emerged at other airports, such as Houston’s Hobby Airport and Armstrong International in New Orleans. These lines, which stretch into baggage claim areas and parking garages, highlight potential disruptions as the shutdown continues. The funding lapse for Homeland Security has forced essential TSA employees to work without receiving their first full paychecks of the year. This situation could lead to agent resignations, increasing tensions at crowded airports. Meanwhile, Senate Democrats have blocked DHS funding to address concerns about ICE and Border Patrol, proposing to separate funding for TSA, FEMA, the Coast Guard, and cybersecurity. Republicans accuse Democrats of creating a political crisis, while Democrats argue they have been in constant communication with the White House. A TSA union representative emphasized that the issue is not partisan and warned that prolonged shutdowns could worsen delays. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) operates under a federal program allowing private contractors to manage security screenings while TSA retains oversight. Unlike most airports, which rely on federal TSA officers, SFO’s contractors receive pay from federal contracts, ensuring continuity during shutdowns. SFO spokesperson Doug Yakel noted that payments continue uninterrupted, allowing the airport to maintain operations even during extended shutdowns. This model helped SFO manage screening during last year’s 43-day shutdown.#dhs #tsa #senate_democrats #american_federation_of_government_employees #sheldon_jacobson
TSA absences double during shutdown, 300 officers quit, as some airports see longer security lines Unscheduled absences among airport security officers have more than doubled during the ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown, with over 300 employees leaving the agency since the funding lapse began, according to internal TSA data obtained by CBS News. The agency’s call-out rates have surged to double-digit percentages at several airports, straining screening operations and causing delays at security checkpoints. TSA officials reported that the nationwide call-out rate—unscheduled absences by frontline officers—has risen to an average of 6% during the shutdown, compared to about 2% before the funding crisis began. The highest national absence rate reached 9% on February 23, followed by 8% on March 6 and 7% on March 9. These figures reflect a significant increase in staffing shortages, which have been exacerbated by the fact that roughly 50,000 TSA employees are working without pay during the shutdown. At individual airports, the impact has been even more severe. At Houston’s Hobby Airport, 53% of officers called out on March 8, with 47% absent the following day, resulting in nearly half of scheduled staff failing to report for duty. Similarly, John F. Kennedy International Airport saw an average absence rate of 21% during the shutdown, the highest among major airports. Other heavily affected hubs included Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (19%), William P. Hobby Airport in Houston (18%), Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (14%), and Pittsburgh International Airport (13%). Extreme weather events have further compounded the staffing crisis.#hartsfield_jackson_atlanta_international_airport #tsa #department_of_homeland_security #john_f_kennedy_international_airport #newark_liberty_international_airport
Airports face prolonged security delays as TSA staffing shortages persist amid ongoing Homeland Security shutdown Passengers at major U.S. airports endured hours-long waits at security checkpoints on Sunday as the partial government shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security continued to disrupt operations. Lines at TSA checkpoints stretched for over three hours at Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport, prompting the facility to advise travelers to arrive four to five hours before their flights. Similar delays were reported at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, where passengers were urged to arrive three hours early to avoid lengthy waits. At Hobby Airport, security lines extended beyond the terminal, winding through a parking garage and circling around seven times before reaching the terminal entrance, according to a witness. The airport’s social media post acknowledged the impact of the federal shutdown, stating that TSA workers were experiencing staffing shortages, leading to longer-than-usual lines. Airport staff were deployed to manage the crowds, with the facility emphasizing ongoing coordination with federal partners to address the issue. The delays followed a pattern of operational strain across multiple airports, including Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, Charlotte Douglas International, and George Bush Intercontinental in Houston. TSA workers, who received only partial paychecks on February 28, are now facing their first full missed paycheck on March 14, exacerbating staffing challenges.#tsa #homeland_security #houston_william_p_hobby_airport #louis_armstrong_new_orleans_international_airport #dhs
