TSA Wait Times Normalize at Tampa and Sarasota Airports

Airports prepare for Easter holiday travel surge after weeks of shutdown-related delays.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 5:05pm

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TSA wait times at Florida's Tampa International Airport (TPA) and Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) have returned to normal levels on Wednesday, April 1, as the airports gear up for the busy Easter holiday travel period. This comes after weeks of delays due to TSA employees working without pay during the partial government shutdown.

Why it matters

The normalization of TSA wait times at these major Florida airports is a relief for travelers, as the Easter holiday is one of the busiest travel periods of the year. The shutdown-related delays had caused frustration and disruption for passengers, so the return to regular screening times is an important milestone.

The details

After weeks of working without pay during the partial government shutdown, TSA employees at TPA and SRQ have resumed normal operations, allowing the airports to process passengers efficiently. Both airports utilize the Screening Partnership Program, which contracts security screening services to qualified private companies rather than relying solely on federal TSA agents.

  • TSA wait times returned to normal levels on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
  • The Easter holiday travel period is approaching later this week.

The players

Tampa International Airport (TPA)

A major international airport serving the Tampa Bay area in Florida.

Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)

A regional airport serving the Sarasota and Bradenton metropolitan areas in Florida.

Screening Partnership Program

A program that allows commercial airports to contract security screening services to qualified private companies rather than relying solely on federal TSA agents.

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The takeaway

The return to normal TSA wait times at Tampa and Sarasota airports is a positive sign for travelers heading into the busy Easter holiday period. The use of private screening contractors through the Screening Partnership Program has helped these airports maintain efficient operations even during disruptive events like the government shutdown.