How long are TSA security lines now?

Why lines are stretching and who’s affected

Security wait times have lengthened at many U.S. airports, with reports of lines reaching up to three hours at some major hubs. The immediate cause is a shortage of Transportation Security Administration staff at checkpoints driven by a partial government shutdown and missed pay cycles for some personnel. With fewer officers on duty, queues grow when passenger volumes remain high — particularly during spring-break and holiday periods.

Who should expect delays

• Travelers passing through large hub airports are most likely to see long waits.
• Those flying during peak travel windows or without expedited screening memberships face the greatest risk.
• Passengers making tight connections should plan for disruption; three-hour security waits can ripple across an entire itinerary.

What practical steps reduce risk

1. Enroll in and use TSA PreCheck or Global Entry where available; dedicated lanes move much faster.
2. Arrive earlier than usual—allow at least two to three hours for domestic flights at busy hubs and more for international departures.
3. Check your airport’s real-time security wait information; many airports and airlines publish live updates.
4. Travel light through security: have documents ready, follow liquids rules, and wear shoes that are easy to remove if required.
5. If possible, choose off-peak flight times or smaller airports with shorter lines.

The staffing situation can change quickly as federal negotiations progress. For now, building extra buffer time into travel plans and using expedited screening lanes where possible are the most reliable ways to avoid missing flights.