#tsa

TSA Wait Times at U.S. Airports Remain High Amid Government Shutdown Travelers across the United States are experiencing extended security screening delays at major airports as a partial government shutdown continues to disrupt operations. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued updated guidance, urging passengers to arrive at airports earlier than usual and to contact their airlines for the latest information. The TSA’s wait time data highlights ongoing challenges at key hubs, with delays persisting due to staffing shortages, fluctuating passenger volumes, and operational adjustments. The agency’s tracking system, which compiles publicly reported wait times from the 50 busiest U.S. airports, updates every 30 minutes. If multiple terminals at a single airport report different wait times, the longest duration is displayed. This method provides travelers with a general idea of current conditions but acknowledges that wait times can change rapidly due to factors like weather, holiday travel, or unexpected delays. For those using TSA PreCheck, the program offers a faster alternative to standard security lines. With over 20 million members, PreCheck allows passengers to bypass traditional screening lanes, reducing wait times to under 10 minutes for most travelers during normal operations. However, the current shutdown has likely impacted the efficiency of both PreCheck and regular security checkpoints, leading to longer queues. The TSA recommends arriving at airports two hours before domestic flights and three hours prior to international departures. This buffer time is especially critical during periods of high demand or operational disruptions.#tsa #transportation_security_administration #government_shutdown #travelers #airports

TSA disruptions: Why some airports have long security lines and others don't Airport security lines are stretching for hours at some major hubs, while travelers at others are breezing through in minutes. The uneven experience reflects how the partial government shutdown is affecting airports and TSA workers differently, as staffing levels, passenger volume, and airport operations drive wide variations in wait times. TSA officers have been working without pay since February 14, and according to the Department of Homeland Security, nearly 500 have quit since the funding lapse began. More than 11% of scheduled TSA officers—over 3,120 people—called out of work Wednesday, according to DHS. Before the shutdown, the national call-out rate hovered around 4%. Which airports have the highest call-out rates? At some of the nation’s busiest airports, including George Bush Intercontinental in Houston and Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta, call-out rates have been much higher, around 40% this week. John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, Baltimore/Washington International Airport, and Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport have also seen call-out rates well above the national average, topping 30% recently. Each of those airports has experienced significant security delays at times in the past week. Acting DHS Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said in a statement that the partial shutdown has forced thousands of TSA workers to call out from work because they can’t afford basic expenses like gas and child care. Some officers are even sleeping at airports or in their cars because they can’t afford the commute to and from work, according to the American Federation of Government Employees, the largest federal labor union.#dhs #tsa #american_federation_of_government_employees #george_bush_intercontinental #hartsfield_jackson_atlanta

Trump Orders DHS to Pay TSA Agents Amid Funding Deadlock President Donald Trump announced Thursday he will sign an executive order directing the Department of Homeland Security to immediately pay Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents, aiming to resolve a government funding impasse that has left thousands of workers unpaid and caused severe delays at airports. The move comes as Congress remains deadlocked over a budget deal to fund DHS, which has led to a partial government shutdown since February 14. Over 46,000 TSA employees are at risk of missing their second paycheck this weekend, with many having worked without pay for over a month. The order, which Trump described as a response to “Democrat Chaos” at airports, instructs Secretary Markwayne Mullin to prioritize TSA compensation. However, legal experts question the president’s authority to unilaterally fund the agency. Max Stier, CEO of the Partnership for Public Service, noted that Trump’s decision to act without congressional approval raises questions about the legality of the move. “This has been a problem for over a month now,” Stier said, adding that the president’s past actions have often pushed legal boundaries. The funding impasse has left TSA struggling to manage security operations, with long lines at major airports and staff shortages. Over 500 TSA officers have resigned during the shutdown, and thousands more have called out, exacerbating delays. Meanwhile, other DHS divisions, such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), continue to receive payments from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a law signed by Trump in July 2025. However, these funds are earmarked for specific purposes, and redirecting them without congressional approval is legally questionable.#trump #dhs #tsa #john_fetterman #markwayne_mullin

Philadelphia Airport TSA Wait Times and Security Checkpoint Status Update Temporary security checkpoint closures at Philadelphia International Airport continue as part of a partial government shutdown. The closures, which began on March 18, have redirected travelers from three checkpoints to help optimize operations at other locations. Travelers are advised to check the latest updates before heading to the airport. As of Tuesday morning, the wait times for security checkpoints at Philadelphia International Airport are as follows: Terminal A-East has a standard security wait of 3 minutes and a TSA PreCheck wait of 2 minutes. Terminal B has a standard security wait of 4 minutes. Terminal D/E has a standard security wait of 7 minutes and a TSA PreCheck wait of 2 minutes. Live updates for checkpoint wait times are available on the airport’s checkpoint hours page. The TSA security checkpoints at Terminals A-West, C, and F remain closed as of March 24. Despite these closures, all terminals remain open and accessible to passengers. Travelers can still reach closed terminals by passing through active security checkpoints before proceeding to their gates. TSA PreCheck is available at Terminals A-East and D/E. The operating hours for open checkpoints and PreCheck services are: Terminal A-East Standard Security runs from 4:15 a.m. to 10:15 p.m., while TSA PreCheck at the same terminal is open until 6:30 p.m. Terminal B Standard Security operates from 3:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Terminal D/E Standard Security is open from 3 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and TSA PreCheck at D/E is available until 8 p.m. Due to the ongoing checkpoint closures, the airport recommends travelers arrive 2.5 hours before domestic flights and 3.5 hours before international flights to account for potential delays.#tsa #philadelphia_international_airport #terminal_d_e #philadelphia_airport #terminal_a_east

Philadelphia International Airport Operations and TSA Wait Times Update As the Department of Homeland Security shutdown continues to impact federal operations, Philadelphia International Airport remains affected with several security checkpoints closed. On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, the airport reported ongoing disruptions due to the shutdown, with TSA security checkpoints at Terminals A-West, C, and F still unavailable. Despite these closures, all terminals remain open and accessible to passengers, who can navigate to open checkpoints at other terminals. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have been deployed to assist with long wait times at TSA checkpoints across the country, including Philadelphia International Airport. Reports indicate that ICE agents were present at Terminal D on Tuesday, March 24, supporting TSA operations at both PreCheck and traditional security lines. This deployment was part of a broader effort to address staffing shortages at major airports, as highlighted by CNN’s list of 13 airports where ICE agents were temporarily assigned. Live updates for TSA wait times at Philadelphia International Airport on Wednesday, March 25, showed varying delays across terminals. Terminal A-East had standard security wait times of 14 minutes and TSA PreCheck lines at 2 minutes. Terminal B reported a shorter standard security wait of 6 minutes, while Terminal D/E had standard security delays of 5 minutes and PreCheck lines at 2 minutes. These times are subject to change and can be monitored through the airport’s checkpoint hours page. TSA PreCheck remains operational at Terminals A-East and D/E, with specific hours provided for each location. Terminal A-East’s standard security checkpoints are open from 4:15 a.m. to 10:15 p.m.#tsa #philadelphia #department_of_homeland_security #philadelphia_international_airport #immigration_and_customs_enforcement

Houston’s Bush Airport Faces Record TSA Wait Times Amid Government Shutdown Travelers at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) are enduring some of the longest security lines in the nation, with wait times exceeding four hours as a partial government shutdown drags into its 40th day. The crisis has left families missing flights, weddings, and other milestones, with airport officials warning that conditions could worsen unless Congress resolves the funding impasse. Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for the Houston Airport System, described the situation as “miserable,” citing scenes of frustrated passengers waiting in underground tunnels and missing their flights. “We see the families arriving early and waiting for hours. We see missed flights. We see missed moments, weddings, vacations, time with loved ones,” he said. Szczesniak emphasized that the problem is likely to escalate unless the shutdown ends, as hundreds of TSA agents remain unpaid and many have quit or called in sick. At IAH, wait times peaked at over four hours on Tuesday, with travelers forced to return the next day for additional screenings. A warning announcement over the airport’s speakers urged passengers to contact airlines for rebooking options, as security lines stretched into a tunnel where a subway tram typically runs. While wait times shortened slightly on Wednesday, airport spokesperson Casey Curry noted that the day is usually low-volume, and higher passenger traffic is expected on Thursday and Friday due to conferences and NCAA Sweet 16 events. The situation contrasts sharply with nearby Hobby Airport, where security lines averaged just 10 minutes.#hartsfieldjackson_atlanta_international_airport #tsa #houston_george_bush_intercontinental_airport #houston_airport_system #john_whitmire

Trump told ICE agents to remove their masks in airports and exposed a GOP lie Trump’s recent social media post suggested that ICE agents do not need to wear masks in airports, challenging the idea that facial coverings are essential for their work. The statement implied that the requirement for masks was a political tactic rather than a practical necessity, aligning with criticisms from Democrats who have long argued that the practice of masking ICE officers is a way to obscure their identities and avoid accountability. The post came amid ongoing debates over the role of ICE in airport security. A TSA officer previously criticized ICE agents for lacking the training to perform aviation security tasks, noting that TSA officers undergo months of specialized instruction to detect threats. This raised questions about the necessity of ICE agents in airports and the rationale for their use of masks. Rep. James Walkinshaw, D-Va., echoed these concerns, stating that if ICE agents do not need masks in airports, there is no justification for their use elsewhere. He emphasized that the public’s fear of masked officers stems from the association of masks with criminality, a perception that undermines trust in law enforcement. The discussion also highlighted the broader implications of masking for ICE officers. Critics argue that hiding their faces prevents the public from holding them accountable, while supporters claim it protects officers from retaliation. Trump’s comments appeared to acknowledge the public’s unease with masked agents but suggested that the practice should be limited to specific contexts, such as interactions with immigrant communities. Senator Scott Wiener added that the use of masks by law enforcement has historical roots in authoritarian policing, contrasting it with the U.S. tradition of transparency.#trump #ice #tsa #james_walkinshaw #scott_wiener

TSA agents quitting, calling out as airports hit with record wait times Travelers have endured hours-long delays and sprawling lines at airports as hundreds of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees have left their posts. The agency has faced a surge in staff absences, with approximately 36% of workers calling in sick on average, leading to unprecedented congestion at security checkpoints. On Tuesday, airports reported some of the longest wait times ever recorded, with passengers forced to wait for extended periods to pass through security screenings. The exodus of TSA agents has created a significant strain on airport operations, disrupting the flow of travelers and raising concerns about the agency’s ability to manage the growing demand for air travel. Officials have acknowledged the crisis, noting that the high rate of absenteeism has exacerbated existing challenges, including staffing shortages and outdated infrastructure. The situation has sparked calls for increased investment in the TSA workforce and modernization of security processes to prevent further delays. Industry experts warn that the ongoing staffing crisis could have long-term consequences for the aviation sector. With fewer agents available to process passengers, airlines and airports are struggling to maintain efficiency, leading to a ripple effect on flight schedules and customer satisfaction. Some travelers have reported being stuck in lines for over two hours, while others have faced repeated delays due to understaffed security lanes. The problem has been compounded by the increasing number of passengers, as demand for air travel continues to rise despite economic uncertainties.#tsa #transportation_security_administration #travelers #airports #security_checkpoints

TSA security lines at major Washington, D.C. airports remain a source of concern for travelers ahead of peak spring break and Easter, but the situation varies significantly across the region. While some airports report delays, others have maintained relatively normal wait times, creating a patchwork of experiences for flyers. The partial government shutdown has exacerbated staffing shortages at the Transportation Security Administration, leading to unpredictable conditions that can shift rapidly. At Dulles International Airport, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority confirmed that security lines have remained steady and within typical wait times. Similarly, Reagan National Airport reported similar conditions, with real-time checkpoint tracking tools indicating manageable delays. However, these positive reports contrast with challenges at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), where a significant number of TSA officers called in sick last Sunday, causing hours-long backups. While wait times have since improved, the airport advises travelers to arrive at least three hours before their flights to avoid disruptions. The unpredictability of the situation has led to widespread frustration. Reports of security lines snaking into parking lots and missed flights have circulated, with some travelers waiting over four hours to clear security. The TSA’s staffing gaps have also prompted the deployment of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to some of the most affected airports, including Dulles and Reagan. However, no ICE presence has been reported at BWI, where Maryland Governor Wes Moore has publicly opposed the involvement, stating, “We do not need ICE.#tsa #reagan_national_airport #metropolitan_washington_airports_authority #wes_moore

Delta suspends VIP congressional services amid government shutdown Travelers across the nation are facing long waits at TSA checkpoints due to the partial government shutdown. Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., discussed the legislative gridlock, blamed Schumer and proposed withholding senators' pay. Members of Congress are losing a perk of flying Delta Air Lines because of the Department of Homeland Security shutdown. FOX Business confirmed Tuesday morning that Atlanta-based Delta has suspended specialty services for members of Congress flying Delta. "Due to the impact on resources from the long-standing government shutdown, Delta will temporarily suspend specialty services to members of Congress flying Delta," a company spokesperson told FOX Business. "Next to safety, Delta's no. 1 priority is taking care of our people and customers, which has become increasingly difficult in the current environment." Delta has traditionally given priority VIP service to congressional members, allowing them to skip TSA lines and escorting them to their gates. Now members of Congress will be treated like other passengers based on their respective SkyMiles status. Additionally, Delta was suspending its "special congressional desk service" for lawmakers until the government shutdown ends, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The airport chaos, traveler frustrations and long wait times through the first weekend of the busy spring travel season have apparently hit too close to home for Delta, which has its headquarters in Atlanta. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, well-known to be the busiest in the world, has been hamstrung by TSA security lines up to nine hours long, according to some reports.#hartsfieldjackson_atlanta_international_airport #delta_airlines #tsa #john_cornyn #john_kennedy

Delta suspends special treatment for Congress as shutdown sows chaos in airports Delta Air Lines announced on Tuesday it would stop offering special services to members of Congress, citing the ongoing government shutdown that has disrupted U.S. air travel operations. The Atlanta-based airline stated that the prolonged funding crisis has strained resources, forcing it to temporarily halt VIP services for lawmakers. Delta emphasized that safety remains its top priority, but the current environment has made it increasingly difficult to maintain standard operations. The decision affects lawmakers who typically receive priority treatment, including airport escorts and premium services like seat upgrades or expedited rebooking. However, Congress members will still have access to a dedicated phone line for reservations. The airline’s move comes as federal agencies like the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) face severe staffing shortages due to unpaid wages since mid-February. Congress allowed funding for the Department of Homeland Security to expire over disputes regarding immigration enforcement, leaving TSA employees without pay. Travelers have experienced long delays at security checkpoints as TSA staff resign or call in sick. President Donald Trump has deployed immigration agents to over a dozen airports to assist with crowd control, a measure criticized by TSA workers who claim they lack proper training for such roles. Delta CEO Ed Bastian criticized the situation during a CNBC interview, calling it “inexcusable” that TSA officers were forced to miss paychecks last fall. He condemned the use of federal workers as political tools, stating, “It’s ridiculous to see them being used as political chits. We’re outraged.#congress #delta_air_lines #president_donald_trump #tsa #transportation_security_administration

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