Travelers Face Hours-Long Security Lines at BWI-Marshall Airport

Spring Break crowds overwhelm TSA checkpoints, leading to lengthy delays

Mar. 28, 2026 at 3:19pm

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Travelers at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport are encountering extensive wait times at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security checkpoints, with some waiting 2-3 hours to check bags and another couple hours to get through security. The lines have stretched outside the airport concourse, wrapping around the building and into hallways, as the partial federal government shutdown has led to TSA staffing shortages.

Why it matters

The long security lines at BWI-Marshall are indicative of a broader issue facing airports across the country as Spring Break travel ramps up. Staffing shortages at the TSA due to the government shutdown have exacerbated wait times, causing frustration for travelers and raising concerns about the impact on airport operations and the travel industry.

The details

By Saturday, some travelers at BWI-Marshall reported waiting 2-3 hours in line to check their bags, and then an additional couple hours to get through security. The lines stretched outside the airport concourse, wrapping around the building and into hallways. Airport employees handed out water and snacks to travelers, and officials recommended that travelers arrive at least 3 hours early for their flights.

  • On Friday, thousands of travelers at BWI-Marshall encountered extensive lines at TSA checkpoints.
  • By Saturday, some travelers waited 2-3 hours in line to check bags and another couple hours to get through security.

The players

BWI-Marshall Airport

The Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, a major airport serving the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

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

Catherine Minty

A traveler who arrived at BWI-Marshall four hours ahead of her flight and spent three hours in line.

Jonathan Dean

A spokesman for BWI-Marshall Airport.

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What they’re saying

“(We) pretty much (went on) a whole tour through the entire airport,”

— Catherine Minty, Traveler

“We're very hopeful that conditions will continue to improve in coming days, but at this point, we certainly recommend travelers do arrive early,”

— Jonathan Dean, BWI-Marshall Airport spokesman

What’s next

The TSA is working to address the staffing shortages and long wait times, but it's unclear how long the issues will persist. Travelers are advised to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before their scheduled departure to account for the lengthy security lines.

The takeaway

The security line chaos at BWI-Marshall is a symptom of a broader problem facing airports nationwide as the partial government shutdown has led to staffing shortages at the TSA. This highlights the need for a long-term solution to ensure airport security can effectively handle the surge in Spring Break travel without causing major disruptions for passengers.