Travelers Frustrated by Long TSA Lines at BWI-Marshall Airport

Partial government shutdown exacerbates staffing shortages, leading to 2-3 hour wait times

Mar. 23, 2026 at 3:15pm

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With the ongoing partial government shutdown, travelers at Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI-Marshall) are facing lengthy TSA security lines, with estimated wait times of 2-3 hours. Frustrated passengers have shared their experiences of missing flights and enduring the worst lines since 9/11, as the airport encourages arriving 3 hours before scheduled departure times.

Why it matters

The staffing shortages at TSA checkpoints due to the government shutdown are causing major disruptions for air travelers passing through BWI-Marshall, one of the busier airports in the region. The long lines and delays are impacting people's ability to catch their flights on time and raising concerns about the overall state of airport security and operations during a political impasse.

The details

Passengers at BWI-Marshall have reported waiting in line for over an hour, with some missing their flights entirely. The airport is now advising travelers to arrive 3 hours before their scheduled departure, a significant increase from the typical 1-2 hour recommendation. The Department of Homeland Security has stated that over 400 TSA agents have quit so far during the shutdown, exacerbating the staffing shortages.

  • The partial government shutdown began in late 2018 and is still ongoing as of March 2026.

The players

Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI-Marshall)

A major international airport serving the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area, located in Anne Arundel County, Maryland.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The federal agency responsible for security in all modes of transportation, including airport passenger screening.

Department of Homeland Security

The U.S. federal executive department responsible for public security, including oversight of the TSA.

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What’s next

The Department of Homeland Security has stated that it is working to address the staffing shortages at TSA checkpoints, but it is unclear how long it will take to resolve the issue. Travelers are advised to continue arriving at the airport well in advance of their scheduled flights to account for the lengthy security lines.

The takeaway

The ongoing partial government shutdown has exacerbated the staffing challenges at TSA checkpoints, leading to significant delays and frustration for air travelers passing through BWI-Marshall. This situation highlights the broader impact of political gridlock on critical public services and infrastructure, underscoring the need for more robust contingency planning and investment in transportation security systems.