Long TSA Waits at Airports as Spring Break Starts

Government shutdown leads to staffing shortages and delays at security checkpoints

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Travelers are experiencing lengthy lines at airport and land crossing TSA checkpoints as a partial government shutdown takes its toll right at the start of Spring Break travel season. The Department of Homeland Security, which includes the Transportation Security Administration, is shut down due to a funding impasse, leading to partial paychecks and absences for TSA workers and crippling staffing shortages that are causing major delays at major airports like Houston, New Orleans, and Charlotte.

Why it matters

The shutdown is having real consequences for travelers, the airline industry, and federal aviation workers, who are caught in the middle of the political standoff. Long security lines and delays could disrupt Spring Break plans and hurt the travel industry during a busy season.

The details

As a result of the shutdown, TSA workers received only partial paychecks on February 28 and will miss their first full paycheck on March 14. Some TSA workers have taken time off while not getting paid, which has slowed down the security checkpoint lines at major airports. Airports in Houston, New Orleans, and Charlotte have all reported hours-long waits, with lines stretching outside the terminals in some cases.

  • On February 21, DHS announced it would suspend TSA Precheck, but reversed the decision after an outcry.
  • On Sunday, March 3, Hobby Airport in Houston averaged about 3.5 hour wait times.
  • On Thursday, March 7, President Trump ousted DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and replaced her with Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla.

The players

Lauren Bis

DHS spokesperson

Chris Sununu

President and CEO of Airlines for America

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What they’re saying

“This chaos is a direct result of Democrats and their refusal to fund DHS. These frontline heroes received only partial paychecks earlier this month and now face their first full missed paycheck, leading to financial hardship, absences, and crippling staffing shortages.”

— Lauren Bis, DHS spokesperson (Breitbart)

“The shutdown is having very real consequences, and hardworking federal aviation workers, the airline industry and our passengers are being used as a political football once again. This is simply unacceptable and un-American. Congress and the administration must act with urgency to reach a deal that reopens DHS and ends this shutdown.”

— Chris Sununu, President and CEO of Airlines for America (Breitbart)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.