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Travelers Hack TSA Lines Amid Airport Delays
Passengers turn to TSA PreCheck Touchless ID to bypass long security waits
Mar. 21, 2026 at 2:52pm
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As TSA workers face empty paychecks and security lines stretch over 2.5 hours at major airports, some travelers are finding ways to bypass the long waits, including going through international checkpoints and using the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program.
Why it matters
The staffing and funding issues at the TSA are causing significant disruptions for air travelers, leading some to resort to questionable tactics to get through security faster. This highlights the need for the government to prioritize TSA funding and address the challenges facing the agency.
The details
Airports like LaGuardia, Hartsfield-Jackson, and Hobby have all seen wait times of over 2.5 hours. Some passengers are trying to hack the system by going through international checkpoints, which airports are warning against. Meanwhile, travelers with TSA PreCheck are taking advantage of the new Touchless ID program, which uses facial comparison technology for faster screening. However, a TSA union representative says the situation is 'very unfortunate' and that TSA funding needs to be prioritized immediately.
- On Tuesday, the Hartsfield-Jackson airport in Atlanta cautioned travelers about delays and called out passengers for attempting to bypass lines.
- The TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program will be available at 65 airports by spring 2026, according to the TSA.
The players
Joseph Cerletti
A TSA worker and union representative in Oakland, California, who says the situation is 'very unfortunate' and that TSA funding needs to be prioritized immediately.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
A major airport that has seen wait times of over 2.5 hours and has warned travelers against attempting to bypass lines.
What they’re saying
“We are seeing increased congestion at the International Terminal Checkpoint caused by domestic travelers attempting to bypass lines in the Domestic Terminal. If you are flying domestically, please use the Domestic Security Checkpoints. At this time, wait times at the International Checkpoint are longer than those at the Domestic Terminal.”
— Hartsfield-Jackson airport officials
“It's 'very unfortunate that people are trying to hack the system.' It shouldn't be like this. I feel really bad for the traveling public. TSA funding needs to be prioritized immediately as [it's] a national security issue.”
— Joseph Cerletti, TSA worker and union representative
What’s next
The TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program will be available at 65 airports by spring 2026, providing a faster screening option for travelers.
The takeaway
The staffing and funding challenges facing the TSA are causing significant disruptions for air travelers, leading some to resort to questionable tactics to bypass long security lines. This highlights the need for the government to prioritize TSA funding and address the agency's challenges to ensure efficient and secure travel for all.
