Security Lines at BWI-Marshall Airport Return to Normal

Travelers see major improvement as TSA agents report receiving paychecks

Mar. 31, 2026 at 2:13am

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A highly stylized, geometric illustration depicting the grand scale and streamlined design of an airport terminal, with sweeping lines and gradients evoking a sense of order and efficiency.The return to normal security operations at BWI-Marshall Airport signals a restoration of efficiency and reliability for travelers during the busy spring break season.Baltimore Today

After days of long waits and uncertainty at Baltimore's airport, travelers are finally seeing a major improvement in security line wait times at BWI-Marshall Airport. The improvement comes as Transportation Security Administration agents report receiving their paychecks, which had been delayed. Operations at the airport appear to be returning to normal, with TSA PreCheck and Clear lines open and shorter lines to check baggage.

Why it matters

The long security lines and delays at BWI-Marshall Airport had caused significant disruptions for travelers, especially during the busy spring break travel season. The return to normal operations is a relief for both travelers and airport officials, who were concerned about the impact on the airport's reputation and operations.

The details

On Saturday, security lines stretched through the terminal, wrapped around the sidewalk, and left some passengers waiting for up to five hours. However, by Monday, all four security checkpoints were operational and travelers were moving through steadily. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents who arrived on Saturday to support security operations remained at the airport on Monday. Airport officials are now back to offering the routine suggestion of arriving two hours ahead of departure time.

  • On Monday, March 30, security lines and operations at BWI-Marshall Airport appeared to be returning to normal.
  • On Saturday, March 28, security lines stretched through the terminal and left some passengers waiting for up to five hours.
  • On Saturday, March 28, ICE agents were deployed to BWI-Marshall Airport to support security operations.

The players

BWI-Marshall Airport

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

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The federal agency responsible for security screening at U.S. airports.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that was deployed to BWI-Marshall Airport to support security operations.

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What they’re saying

“We've been listening to the news since we got here about the nightmare. There's nobody here. So, we dodged a bullet, we think.”

— Janet Cammarata, Traveler

“I was very relieved because traveling with the baby is hard enough.”

— Jacinda Demoss, Traveler

“It's just a hard situation for everyone, and the important thing is that we are safe — safety, first and foremost.”

— Kay Rivera, Traveler

What’s next

Airport officials will continue to monitor the situation and make any necessary adjustments to ensure smooth operations during the busy spring break travel season.

The takeaway

The return to normal security lines at BWI-Marshall Airport is a relief for travelers, who had faced significant delays and disruptions in recent days. The deployment of additional security personnel and the resolution of the TSA payroll issue appear to have helped resolve the situation, but airport officials will need to remain vigilant to maintain smooth operations during the busy travel season.