Major Airports Warn of Long Delays Despite TSA Paychecks Restarting

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Several major U.S. airports, including Baltimore/Washington International and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, reported significant security checkpoint delays on Saturday despite President Trump's order to restart TSA paychecks during the ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown. Some airports are still advising passengers to arrive 4 hours before their scheduled departure due to the disruptions.

Why it matters

The security delays at major airports come at the start of the busy Spring Break travel season, threatening to disrupt travel plans for millions of passengers. The ongoing DHS shutdown has strained the TSA workforce, leading to staffing shortages and longer wait times at checkpoints.

The details

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport said it has 'not previously experienced checkpoint wait times similar to what we are seeing this morning,' with some travelers reporting 2-3 hour waits to check bags and another couple hours to get through security. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport also advised passengers to arrive 4 hours early, though security wait times were less than 40 minutes as of Saturday afternoon.

• On March 27, 2026, travelers reported long security lines at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas.

What’s next

The ongoing DHS shutdown and resulting TSA staffing shortages will likely continue to cause disruptions at major airports throughout the busy Spring Break travel season, forcing passengers to plan for longer security wait times.