Major Airports Report TSA Wait Times Over 3 Hours

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Security lines stretched for hours at several major U.S. airports on Sunday, March 8, as a partial government shutdown and the start of spring break travel collided, leaving some passengers scrambling to make their flights. While Florida airports have seen shorter wait times so far, travelers making connecting flights or returning to the Sunshine State should monitor airport social media or alerts to find out when they should arrive to safely make their flights.

Why it matters

The staffing crunch at TSA checkpoints comes during a partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the TSA. With roughly 50,000 airport security screeners working without pay, the agency is facing financial hardship, absences, and crippling staffing shortages just as the busy spring travel season ramps up.

The details

At one point on Sunday, Houston's William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) reported TSA checkpoint wait times of 3 1/2 hours, and the airport advised travelers to arrive 4 to 5 hours before their flight. Similar delays were reported at other major airports like George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. So far, impacts on Florida airports have been minor, with TSA's estimated wait times for Monday averaging under 15 minutes for most locations and 15-30 minutes at larger airports in Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa, and Miami.

• On Sunday, March 8, security lines stretched for hours at several major U.S. airports.
• As of Monday morning, March 9, Florida airports have seen shorter wait times, but the situation remains fluid.

What’s next

The TSA and airports will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on wait times throughout the week as the spring break travel season continues.