Are security lines at U.S. airports worse now?

Prepare for longer security waits and plan accordingly

The partial government shutdown has had a tangible effect on Transportation Security Administration operations: staffing shortages and departures have contributed to significantly longer lines at some major U.S. airports. Reports describe waits stretching for hours during peak travel days, as reduced staffing makes it harder to maintain typical checkpoint throughput.

Compounding the problem, several thousand DHS personnel are required to work without pay during a shutdown, and some TSA employees have left recently, which limits the agency’s flexibility to cover shifts or surge capacity at busy hubs. At the same time, the federal government has moved to restart or reinstate trusted-traveler programs in fits and starts, changing the mix of passengers who move through standard and expedited lanes.

How to reduce risk of missing a flight:

• Arrive much earlier than usual — add at least an extra hour for domestic travel and two for international travel during busy periods.
• Monitor your airport’s live wait-time information and follow official TSA updates.
• Use trusted-traveler programs and make sure the expedited indicator (e.g., TSA PreCheck) is printed on your boarding pass.
• Consider CLEAR or airline lounge access to save time where available.
• Pack and present documents efficiently: have ID and boarding pass ready and follow the TSA’s guidance on electronics and liquids.

Expect unpredictable delays until staffing stabilises. Building extra buffer time into itineraries and staying informed through airline and airport communications are the best practical protections for now.