Cleveland Hopkins Airport Sees Short Security Lines Despite Partial Government Shutdown

PETA delivers food to support TSA workers as call-outs impact airports nationwide

Mar. 19, 2026 at 12:34am

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Despite the partial government shutdown and TSA staffing issues at airports across the country, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport has seen short security lines and quick wait times for travelers. The airport's checkpoints have remained open and moving quickly, with one traveler reporting a wait time of just under 7 minutes. PETA has also stepped in to support TSA workers at the airport by delivering vegan food and other pantry items.

Why it matters

The partial government shutdown has led to increased TSA staffing shortages at many major airports, causing long security lines and delays for travelers. However, Cleveland Hopkins has so far avoided these issues, providing a smoother travel experience for passengers. This highlights the varying impacts the shutdown is having on different airports and the importance of monitoring the situation closely.

The details

According to TSA data, nearly 10% or 2,700 of the agency's officers nationwide called in sick on Tuesday, with the biggest impacts seen in Atlanta and New Orleans. The call-outs come as TSA employees received their first $0 paycheck last week due to the shutdown. To help support the Cleveland Hopkins TSA workers, PETA delivered suitcases packed with vegan food and other pantry items to "brighten the day" of the employees during this challenging time.

  • The partial U.S. government shutdown is currently on day 33.
  • On Wednesday, PETA delivered food to Cleveland Hopkins TSA workers.

The players

PETA

An animal rights organization that delivered vegan food and other pantry items to support TSA workers at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport during the partial government shutdown.

Racheli Holstein

PETA Campaign Logistic Organizer who coordinated the food delivery to Cleveland Hopkins TSA employees.

Logan Reed

A traveler planning to fly to California soon who works at a restaurant in the Cleveland Hopkins airport.

Hayden Macko

A traveler who experienced a quick 6-minute, 49-second security line at Cleveland Hopkins while traveling to Ireland.

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What they’re saying

“PETA is here delivering delicious and nutritious vegan food to the dedicated TSA workers at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport to show them support during this challenging time. Our donation brightened the day of the TSA workers here at the airport.”

— Racheli Holstein, PETA Campaign Logistic Organizer

“There's nobody here at all. It looks great. There were more people when we flew out a couple months ago to Vegas, so yeah, it looks like it'll be pretty quick.”

— Hayden Macko

What’s next

The airport will continue monitoring the situation and checking in on security wait times as the partial government shutdown continues.

The takeaway

While the partial government shutdown has led to staffing shortages and long lines at many airports across the country, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport has so far avoided these issues, providing a smoother travel experience for passengers. This highlights the varying impacts the shutdown is having on different airports and the importance of community support for TSA workers during this challenging time.