Photos show TSA lines clogging airports during partial government shutdown

Passengers faced hourslong delays at airports in Houston, New Orleans, and other cities as spring break travel peaked.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Passengers traveling through several major U.S. airports experienced lengthy security lines on Sunday and Monday due to the ongoing partial government shutdown. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has faced staffing shortages, leading to extended wait times at checkpoints. Photos showed crowded airports with lines snaking through terminals and into parking garages.

Why it matters

The partial government shutdown has impacted the TSA's ability to staff security checkpoints, causing major disruptions for travelers during a busy travel period. This highlights the broader effects of the shutdown on government services and the public.

The details

On Sunday, nearly 2.8 million passengers passed through TSA checkpoints, the agency's busiest day since January 4. Airports in Houston, New Orleans, Chicago, and other cities experienced hourslong delays, with lines stretching from security checkpoints, down escalators, and out to parking garages. While airports are usually prepared for busy travel times, the scale of the lines was "somewhat shocking" according to one passenger. Some airports continued to advise passengers to arrive at least 3 hours early on Monday, though the worst delays appeared to have eased.

  • On Sunday, nearly 2.8 million passengers passed through TSA checkpoints, the agency's busiest day since January 4.
  • The partial government shutdown began in February 2026.

The players

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The federal agency responsible for security checkpoints at U.S. airports, which has faced staffing shortages due to the partial government shutdown.

Chris Fenton

A passenger who traveled through Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport on Sunday and experienced the lengthy security lines.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Southwest texted me early that morning to expect up to 3-hour lines, so I left early. I never expected to see what I saw, though.”

— Chris Fenton, Passenger (Business Insider)

What’s next

The TSA and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the situation.

The takeaway

The partial government shutdown has had a significant impact on the TSA's ability to staff security checkpoints at airports, leading to major travel disruptions during a busy spring break period. This highlights the broader effects of the shutdown on government services and the public.