How will a DHS shutdown affect TSA wait times?

Security lines may slow as officers work without pay

A partial shutdown of Department of Homeland Security funding will affect airport operations because Transportation Security Administration officers are continuing to work without pay while funding gaps remain. That status raises the risk of longer security lines and unpredictable screening times at airports nationwide.

The staffing pressure comes at a moment when many airports are already balancing seasonal peaks, staffing shortages, and fluctuating passenger volumes. With officers required to report for duty despite unpaid federal furloughs or lapses in funding, operational resilience can be strained. Travelers should expect variability in the speed of checkpoints, and smaller or regional airports with leaner staffing rosters could feel the effects more acutely.

Practical steps for travelers

• Allow extra time: Plan to arrive earlier than usual for departures, especially at peak hours. Airlines and airports may issue guidance if delays emerge.
• Monitor airport updates: Check your airport’s official channels and airline communications on the morning of travel for real‑time security wait estimates.
• Use trusted‑traveler lanes: Enroll in programs such as TSA PreCheck or apply for Touchless ID lanes where available; touchless lanes are currently operational at a number of U.S. airports and can shorten screening times for eligible travelers.
• Consider alternatives: If timing is tight, explore off‑peak travel or different airports with historically shorter waits.

Why it matters

Security screening is a linchpin of flight operations. Even short systemic delays can cascade into missed connections and gate crowding. While the full scope of disruptions depends on how long funding gaps persist and how agencies adapt, travelers should treat checkpoint delays as a realistic possibility and plan accordingly.