A partial government shutdown leads to severe wait times and deployment of federal agents to assist at checkpoints
Category: Travel
Travelers across the United States are experiencing unprecedented delays at some of the busiest airports, with wait times at George Bush Intercontinental Airport exceeding six hours due to a partial government shutdown that has left the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) critically understaffed. The situation has prompted the deployment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other Homeland Security agents to assist at TSA checkpoints.
On March 23, 2026, wait times at Houston's airport reached alarming levels, with lines snaking up three floors, beginning from the basement's subway corridor and extending through the baggage claim area. The TSA reported that over 3,450 officers called out of work on March 22, accounting for nearly 12% of the scheduled workforce, the highest number since the partial shutdown began. This staffing crisis has forced officials at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to warn passengers to brace for similarly long waits.
"The current situation at our airports is untenable," said Acting DHS Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. "With TSA officers unable to receive their paychecks since February 14, many are unable to afford basic expenses, leading to high callout rates." At Bush Airport, TSA PreCheck lanes were closed by 10:30 a.m. on the same day, and CLEAR services were unavailable, leaving travelers struggling to navigate the lengthy security lines. Meanwhile, TSA PreCheck wait times at Hartsfield-Jackson soared to four to five hours on March 22, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Travelers seeking to avoid the worst of the delays have turned to expedited screening programs like TSA PreCheck and CLEAR, which typically provide a faster path through security. Nevertheless, these programs have not been immune to the disruptions caused by the staffing shortages. For example, TSA PreCheck was also unavailable at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport on March 22 due to similar staffing issues.
At Orlando International Airport, the situation was slightly more manageable, with general security lines peaking at 45 minutes, compared to wait times of around 10 minutes for TSA PreCheck users. Philadelphia International Airport reported standard security wait times of up to 28 minutes, with TSA PreCheck wait times under five minutes.
"I got through the TSA PreCheck line at Hartsfield-Jackson within an hour," said Marc Caputo, a White House reporter for Axios. Another traveler reported using CLEAR at the international terminal and clearing security within 20 minutes on March 22.
Meanwhile, some airports facing the most severe staffing challenges, including Baltimore/Washington International and JFK, have suspended their reporting of security wait times, making it difficult for travelers to gauge how quickly lines are moving. The TSA has noted that PreCheck hours are subject to change based on operational needs, which can vary significantly by airport.
To alleviate the bottleneck, the Trump administration has mobilized ICE and other agents to assist at 14 of the nation's airports. This move comes after widespread frustration among travelers, many of whom expressed hope that federal agents could help ease the TSA congestion. "I don't believe that they're trained to help us," said TSA officer and union representative Pascual Contreras, expressing skepticism about the effectiveness of the federal agents deployed.
President Trump has instructed federal agents not to wear masks when operating at airports and indicated that National Guard troops may be deployed if a resolution to the shutdown is not reached soon. Senate discussions aimed at resolving the funding impasse hit another snag on March 23, with the President urging Republicans to hold out for the passage of an elections bill that Democrats oppose. This political standoff has left many TSA officers working without pay, exacerbating the staffing crisis.
With the partial government shutdown showing no signs of resolution, travelers are left to navigate increasingly challenging conditions at airports nationwide. The TSA continues to advise passengers to check local airport conditions before heading out, emphasizing that wait times can fluctuate rapidly. Many airports provide real-time security wait times on their websites or apps, though some hubs have temporarily suspended this data.
For travelers planning to fly, it's clear that the current state of airport security is fraught with uncertainty. The combination of a partial government shutdown, staffing shortages, and long wait times has created a perfect storm for those trying to navigate air travel. With the TSA PreCheck and CLEAR programs still offering some relief, the question remains: how long will it take for normalcy to return to airport security?
Travelers are advised to remain vigilant and informed, checking for updates on security wait times and airport conditions before their journeys. The situation at major airports is fluid, and those who can adapt to the changing circumstances may find themselves with a smoother travel experience.
With the shutdown continuing to impact operations, the TSA and airport officials are urging travelers to exercise patience and plan accordingly. Whether through expedited screening programs or simply allowing extra time to navigate the lines, travelers must remain prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.
Amid these challenges, the TSA remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all passengers, even under difficult circumstances. The agency's ability to adapt to changing conditions will be tested, and how it responds will be closely watched by travelers and policymakers alike.