Airports Urge Travelers to Arrive Closer to Departure Times

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With images of long security lines at U.S. airports and tales of missed flights, many travelers have been arriving excessively early for their flights. However, some airports where wait times have been manageable are now telling passengers to stop arriving so early, as it is actually creating more congestion during peak times. The government shutdown has strained TSA staffing, leading to ballooned checkpoint wait times at some major airports, but many others are seeing wait times comparable to normal times.

Why it matters

The mixed messages from airports are confusing for air passengers, who are unsure which airports will have the longest lines. Airports are trying to find the right balance between advising travelers to arrive early enough to clear security, but not so early that it creates new bottlenecks.

The details

John Glenn International Airport in Columbus, Ohio, has urged early-arriving passengers to space out their arrival times, as 'arriving too early can actually create longer lines right when we open.' The airport even provided a chart showing that '90 minutes before departure is all you need.' Meanwhile, George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston has seen four-hour security lines, the worst-case scenario. Experts say the 'panic' over airport delays is similar to the 'panic buying' seen early in the COVID-19 pandemic, as people try to exert control over an uncontrollable situation.

• On Thursday, John Glenn International Airport in Columbus, Ohio, made a social media post advising passengers on arrival times.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Airports will continue to monitor security wait times and provide updated guidance to travelers on when to arrive, balancing the need to clear security with avoiding overcrowding at peak times.