Travelers Advised to Monitor Airport Security Lines Amid TSA Staffing Shortages

Unpredictable wait times reported at major US airports during busy spring break season

Mar. 19, 2026 at 1:51am

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Scenes of long airport security lines are adding stress for travelers as the busy spring break season unfolds. Some airports have reported wait times stretching over an hour, driven by a mix of factors including a partial government shutdown that has strained Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staffing and heavy spring break crowds. The unpredictability makes checking TSA wait times before a scheduled departure a key step for airline customers right now, as the TSA is not actively managing its wait time reporting during the shutdown.

Why it matters

The uneven delays and unpredictable conditions at airports across the country are causing headaches for travelers, especially those with upcoming trips or those accustomed to arriving at the last minute. The shutdown's impact on TSA staffing levels is exacerbating the issue, raising concerns about public safety and the ability of the transportation system to handle the busy spring travel season.

The details

Many airports have reported wait times in line with normal conditions, making it difficult for travelers to know what to expect. Experts say the most reliable way to monitor wait times right now is by checking an airport's websites and social media accounts, as the estimated wait times listed on third-party websites may be outdated if they rely on publicly available data from the TSA, which is not actively managing its sites during the shutdown. Travelers are advised to check airport conditions early and often, as conditions can change quickly.

  • The partial government shutdown began on February 14, 2026.
  • The busy spring break travel season is currently underway.

The players

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The federal agency responsible for airport security screening, which has been impacted by staffing shortages due to the partial government shutdown.

Eric Rosen

Director of travel content for The Points Guy, a travel and finance advice website.

Tyler Hosford

Security director at global risk management firm International SOS.

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What they’re saying

“Luckily, major airports tend to list those checkpoint times, terminal by terminal. I can't think of a major one that doesn't.”

— Eric Rosen, Director of travel content

“It's so hard to predict where these bottlenecks are going to pop up. One airport might have 30% of its TSA agents calling out in a certain day and 10% the next day. There's just no way to know that in advance.”

— Eric Rosen, Director of travel content

“I always say you should have a Plan B under the best of circumstances. But I think we're to a point where you need to start having Plan C, D and maybe even E.”

— Tyler Hosford, Security director

“Always talk to people. It can never hurt to ask. The worst they can say is, 'No, we can't help you.'”

— Tyler Hosford, Security director

What’s next

Experts advise travelers to continue monitoring airport conditions and wait times closely as the busy spring break season progresses, and to be prepared with backup plans in case of unexpected delays or disruptions.

The takeaway

The unpredictable airport security lines and staffing shortages caused by the partial government shutdown underscore the need for travelers to be proactive in planning and monitoring their trips, as well as the broader challenges facing the US transportation system during times of political and economic uncertainty.