Navigating TSA Delays: Tips for Rebooking Your Flight

Advice for flyers facing long security lines due to the government shutdown

Apr. 10, 2026 at 7:12pm

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A highly stylized, geometric illustration depicting the grand scale and monumental architecture of an airport, with sweeping gradients and streamlined forms conveying the frustration and challenges of navigating travel disruptions.As travelers face unprecedented TSA delays, airlines work to assist passengers in rebooking missed flights and navigating the disruption.Los Angeles Today

The ongoing partial government shutdown has brought the longest TSA wait times in history, forcing some airline customers to rebook flights missed due to airport delays. This comprehensive guide outlines steps flyers can take to navigate the situation, including checking wait times in advance, using airline apps to rebook, and contacting carriers immediately if a flight is missed.

Why it matters

The TSA staffing shortages caused by the government shutdown have created unprecedented delays at airports across the country, leaving many travelers scrambling to rebook flights and get to their destinations. This story provides practical tips to help flyers minimize the disruption and frustration of these delays.

The details

Before heading to the airport, travelers should check their airport's TSA wait times well in advance, either on the facility's website or through apps like MyTSA. If arriving to find a very long security line, the first step is to approach an airport employee about alternative lines that may be shorter. If stuck in a slow-moving line and at risk of missing a flight, flyers should use their airline's app to explore rebooking options. Airlines like Delta and United have issued waivers to make it easier for passengers to adjust flights without speaking to an agent.

  • On Friday, the TSA wait time at Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport was 90 minutes to 2.5 hours.
  • At the same time, Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson airport advised passengers to allow at least four hours to get through TSA screening.
  • In contrast, Los Angeles International Airport reported wait times of about five minutes, and Dulles International reported normal wait times.

The players

MyTSA app

A mobile app that normally lists TSA wait times at airports, but is currently suspended during the government shutdown.

Delta Air Lines

An airline that has issued a waiver specific to the Atlanta airport, allowing customers to adjust their flight while in line without speaking to an agent.

United Airlines

An airline that has a similar policy to Delta's, allowing passengers to rebook flights at the Houston airport.

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What’s next

If there's no room on other flights or the price to rebook is too high, travelers should consider driving to their destination or taking a train. However, if they can rebook and their plans are flexible, they should avoid airports' peak times to ensure a smoother new flight experience.

The takeaway

While TSA delays caused by the government shutdown are frustrating, there are steps flyers can take to navigate the situation, including checking wait times in advance, using airline apps to rebook, and contacting carriers immediately if a flight is missed. Remaining calm and patient is key, as airports and airlines want to get travelers to their destinations.