Airport Security Wait Times Improve as TSA Staffing Rebounds

Hartsfield-Jackson and Bush Intercontinental see sub-10 minute lines after recent staffing shortages

Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:46pm

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A bold, geometric illustration in the Art Deco style, featuring sweeping gradients and towering forced perspectives of airport architecture, capturing the streamlined forms and grand scale of air travel without any literal depictions of people or text.As airport security lines return to more typical levels, the grand scale and efficiency of modern air travel is on display.New Orleans Today

Airport security wait times have improved significantly in recent weeks as TSA staffing levels have rebounded following the end of the partial government shutdown. Major hubs like Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta and George Bush Intercontinental in Houston are now reporting security lines under 10 minutes, a stark turnaround from the hours-long waits seen just weeks ago. Callout rates for TSA officers have dropped more than 43% since President Trump's order to restore their pay, though they remain above pre-shutdown norms at some airports.

Why it matters

The long security lines at airports across the country during the partial government shutdown highlighted the impact of staffing shortages on the travel experience. The improvement in wait times is a positive sign that the system is recovering, though continued fluctuations in staffing levels could mean inconsistent experiences for travelers.

The details

Two of the hardest-hit airports, Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta and George Bush Intercontinental in Houston, are now reporting security wait times under 10 minutes as of midday Friday. Conditions have also improved at New York City's three major airports, with most terminals showing general security waits under 15 minutes. However, JFK's Terminal 5 still had 40-minute lines as New York public schools began spring break. Callout rates for TSA officers have fallen more than 43% since President Trump's order to restore their pay, dropping from a recent peak of 12.35% on March 27 to 6.95% as of Thursday. The improvement has been even more pronounced at specific airports, with Hartsfield-Jackson's rate falling from around 40% to 15% and Louis Armstrong New Orleans International's dropping to 11%.

  • On March 28, President Donald Trump ordered the restoration of pay for TSA employees.
  • As of Thursday, the TSA callout rate was 6.95%, down from a recent peak of 12.35% on March 27.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who ordered the restoration of pay for TSA employees during the partial government shutdown.

Department of Homeland Security

The federal agency that provided the data on TSA callout rates.

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What they’re saying

“Callouts have fallen more than 43% since President Donald Trump's March 28 order restoring pay for TSA employees.”

— Department of Homeland Security

What’s next

Airport officials warn that security wait times can still fluctuate day-to-day as staffing levels continue to be impacted by the partial government shutdown, so travelers should check local conditions before heading to the airport.

The takeaway

The improvement in airport security wait times is a positive sign that the travel system is recovering from the staffing shortages caused by the partial government shutdown, though continued vigilance will be needed to ensure a consistent experience for passengers.