How will the government shutdown affect airport security?

Why security lines are lengthening and what to do about it

A partial government shutdown has reduced Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staffing and prompted concerns about checkpoint performance. With some officers missing paychecks and others leaving, several airports are already reporting longer waits; in some places, morning security lines have stretched into hours during peak travel days. The situation can fluctuate by airport and by day as staffing and local measures change.

What travellers are experiencing

• Periodic spikes in wait times, especially during holiday and spring-break peaks.
• Reduced staffing at checkpoints that can slow screening lanes and secondary checks.
• Greater variability: an airport may be fine one day and face multi-hour waits the next.

Practical preparation tips

1. Arrive early — add at least 60–90 minutes to the usual domestic recommendation and 2–3 hours for international flights during busy periods.
2. Enroll and use expedited screening programs (TSA PreCheck, Clear) if you have them; they consistently shorten lines.
3. Travel with carry-on only when feasible to avoid long baggage-drop lines.
4. Check your airport’s live security-wait times and the airline’s advice before leaving for the terminal.
5. Consider flying at off-peak times (midday or late evening) and choose smaller airports when practical.

Airports and carriers are adapting — some are opening extra lanes or rerouting staff locally — but travelers should plan for uncertainty. If you must make a tight connection, contact your airline in advance for guidance and be prepared for possible rebookings if delays ripple through the day.