Travelers Face Unpredictable Airport Security Lines Amid TSA Staffing Shortages

Spring break crowds and government shutdown impact airport wait times across the US

Mar. 19, 2026 at 9:49am

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As the busy spring break travel season unfolds, airport security lines are becoming increasingly unpredictable due to a mix of factors including the partial government shutdown straining Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staffing and heavy crowds. Passengers have reported waiting up to two hours at some airports, while others have seen normal conditions, making it difficult for travelers to know what to expect. Experts advise checking airport websites and social media for the most up-to-date wait time information and being prepared with backup plans in case of long lines.

Why it matters

The uneven delays at airport security checkpoints are causing stress and uncertainty for spring break travelers, many of whom may be accustomed to arriving at the last minute. The situation highlights the impact of the ongoing government shutdown on critical transportation infrastructure and the need for travelers to be proactive in monitoring conditions and having contingency plans.

The details

The partial government shutdown has strained TSA staffing, with the agency reporting that at least 366 agents have quit during the shutdown as unpaid workers face growing financial strain. This, combined with heavy spring break crowds, has led to a patchwork of security line conditions across US airports. While some airports have seen normal wait times, others have experienced delays of over an hour, and in some cases up to two hours, as in Atlanta. Experts advise travelers to check airport websites and social media for the most up-to-date wait time information, as the data on the MyTSA app may not be accurate during the shutdown.

  • The partial government shutdown began on February 14, 2026.
  • In recent days, passengers have reported waiting up to two hours in line at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

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

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

Tyler Hosford

A security director at global risk management firm International SOS.

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What they’re saying

“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

What’s next

Travelers should continue to monitor airport conditions and be prepared with backup plans, as the situation at security checkpoints is likely to remain unpredictable until the government shutdown is resolved and TSA staffing levels stabilize.

The takeaway

The ongoing government shutdown is having a direct impact on the travel experience, underscoring the need for travelers to be proactive in planning and monitoring airport conditions. This situation highlights the broader implications of political gridlock on critical infrastructure and the importance of finding bipartisan solutions to avoid disruptions to essential public services.