How early should I get to the airport?

Security wait times and the staffing squeeze

Airport security lines have been unusually long in recent weeks as federal staffing disruptions intersect with seasonal travel demand. Transportation security checkpoints at several major U.S. hubs have reported waits stretching into hours during peak periods. A partial government shutdown and related workforce impacts have left some Transportation Security Administration operations short-staffed, and reports indicate hundreds of officers have left or been absent, creating uneven coverage across airports.

Why this matters to your schedule

Longer queues at security and slower processing at checkpoints can turn a routine arrival into a race to the gate. International departures add passport control, and some airports are also seeing delays at check-in and baggage drop when airlines operate with reduced ground staff or face disruption from canceled flights elsewhere.

Practical steps to reduce risk

• Allow extra time: add at least an extra hour to the airport arrival time you normally use for comparable travel. For high-season domestic flights, many travelers are arriving two to three hours before departure; for international travel, err on the side of three hours or more.
• Use expedited programs: enroll in TSA PreCheck or Global Entry if you already qualify — Global Entry is being restored after a temporary pause, so check current operating status before travel.
• Prepare documentation: have boarding passes and ID ready, and avoid items that slow screening (liquids over the limit, electronics not stowed).
• Monitor conditions: check airline and airport apps for real-time security wait estimates and gate changes.

If you must travel during a known peak or amid reported staffing shortfalls, plan for contingencies: flexible tickets, travel insurance that covers missed connections, and clear communication with your airline if delays arise.