TSA Shutdown Travel Guide: How to Beat Long Airport Lines in 2026

The Partial Government Shutdown Explained

On February 14, 2026, funding for the Department of Homeland Security lapsed, triggering a partial government shutdown. Unlike a full government shutdown that affects all federal agencies, this one specifically targets DHS agencies including the Transportation Security Administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Customs and Border Protection. TSA's roughly 50,000 officers have been required to continue working, but without pay. Officers received partial paychecks in February and missed their first full paycheck on March 13, with another missed paycheck expected the week of March 25.

How This Differs From the Fall 2025 Shutdown

The fall 2025 government shutdown lasted 43 days and was the longest in U.S. history. That shutdown affected all federal agencies, including the Federal Aviation Administration, which pays air traffic controllers. When unpaid ATC workers began calling out sick, it triggered widespread flight delays and cancellations that ultimately forced the government to reopen. This time, air traffic controllers are still being paid because the FAA is not under DHS. That means flights themselves should operate normally, but getting through security is the bottleneck.

The Spring Break Factor

The timing could not be worse. The shutdown coincides with one of the busiest travel periods of the year. According to AARP's 2026 Travel Trends survey, 49% of respondents planned to fly domestically in 2026, and 14% were already concerned about airport security before the shutdown even began. Airlines for America, the trade group for U.S. airlines, has warned that "record numbers of people" are expected to fly during spring break, further straining an already overwhelmed system.

Over 480 TSA Officers Have Quit

Since the shutdown began, more than 480 TSA officers have resigned entirely. Many of these officers were already living paycheck to paycheck. Johnny J. Jones, secretary-treasurer for the union representing TSA workers, told the Wall Street Journal that the previous shutdown "ate up accumulated financial cushions," leaving officers with no savings buffer this time around. When you lose nearly 500 trained security screeners from an already tight workforce, every remaining checkpoint feels the impact.

Callout Rates Above 40 Percent

According to testimony from the acting TSA administrator, many airports have experienced callout rates exceeding 40 percent. That means nearly half the officers scheduled for any given shift are not showing up. Some are looking for temporary paying work elsewhere. Others simply cannot afford the gas to drive to a job that is not paying them. The result is dramatically fewer checkpoint lanes open at any given time, turning what used to be a 20-minute process into a multi-hour ordeal.

Three-to-Four-Hour Waits at Major Airports

The week of March 8 saw some of the worst delays. George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston reported security lines lasting more than four hours. As of March 25, the airport noted that TSA screening was available in only two of its terminals. Similar delays have been reported at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, and other major hubs. Houston's William P. Hobby Airport urged travelers via social media to arrive four to five hours before their flights.

Where ICE Agents Have Been Deployed

As of March 23, ICE agents arrived at approximately 14 airports, including George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, and Philadelphia International Airport. These were among the airports experiencing the longest wait times. ICE agents, unlike TSA officers, are being paid during this shutdown.

What ICE Agents Are Actually Doing

According to Adam Stahl, acting deputy TSA administrator, ICE agents are "conducting nonspecialized security support, manning the exit lanes, crowd management, line control." They are not screening passengers, operating X-ray machines, or conducting pat-downs. Their role is essentially to free up space and manage the flow of people so that the remaining TSA officers can focus on actual security screening. Think of them as traffic directors, not security screeners.

What This Means for Travelers

For most travelers, the presence of ICE agents should not change your experience beyond potentially seeing different uniforms at the airport. They are there to help manage crowds and keep lines moving, not to conduct immigration enforcement at security checkpoints. If you have questions or need assistance while in line, TSA officers remain the ones handling screening operations.

Worst-Hit Airports

Based on reports from airlines, airport authorities, and travelers, these airports have experienced the most severe delays:

• George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Houston - Wait times exceeding four hours, screening limited to two terminals
• William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), Houston - Airport recommended arriving 4-5 hours early
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL) - One of the busiest airports in the world, significant delays reported
• John F. Kennedy International (JFK), New York - Multi-hour waits during peak travel times
• Philadelphia International (PHL) - ICE agents deployed to assist with crowd management

Smaller Airports May Be Your Best Bet

Regional and smaller airports tend to have shorter lines even during normal operations, and the shutdown has widened that gap. If you have flexibility in your departure airport, consider flying out of a secondary airport in your metro area. For example, instead of JFK, try Long Island MacArthur Airport or Stewart International. Instead of ATL, check if your airline flies from Savannah or Augusta. The slightly longer drive could save you hours of standing in line.

Check Airport Wait Times Online

Many major airports publish live or estimated TSA wait times on their websites. However, be aware that some airports have removed these estimates as lines became unpredictable. The TSA's MyTSA app is not being updated during the shutdown, so do not rely on it. Instead, check your specific airport's website directly, follow the airport's official social media accounts for real-time updates, and search for your airport on Twitter or X where fellow travelers often post current conditions.

Download Your Airline's App

Your airline's mobile app is your best friend during travel disruptions. Most airline apps let you check in online, access your mobile boarding pass, receive real-time gate change and delay notifications, rebook flights if you miss a connection, and contact customer service through in-app chat. Having your boarding pass on your phone also means one less thing to dig through your bag for when you finally reach the front of the security line. If you need help setting up or using your airline's app, TechMaid can walk you through it step by step.

Arrive Significantly Earlier Than Usual

During normal times, arriving two hours before a domestic flight is standard advice. During the shutdown, plan for at least three to four hours before a domestic flight and four to five hours before an international flight. If you are flying out of one of the worst-hit airports, consider the airport's specific recommendations, some have suggested arriving even earlier. Yes, this means spending more time at the airport, but it is far better than missing your flight entirely.

TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck lanes are still open as staffing permits. Members keep their shoes, belts, and light jackets on, leave laptops and liquids in their bags, and move through a dedicated, typically shorter line. The cost is $85 for five years. The catch right now: the application process normally takes three days to two months, and processing times may be longer during the shutdown since TSA is short-staffed across all operations. If you do not already have PreCheck, you may not be able to get it in time for an upcoming trip, but it is worth applying for future travel.

CLEAR

CLEAR is a privately run identity verification service with kiosks at about 60 airports. The biggest advantage right now: CLEAR can enroll travelers at the airport in minutes using biometric data (fingerprints and iris scans). Once enrolled, CLEAR members skip the ID check line entirely and go straight to the physical screening. CLEAR Plus costs $209 per year when bundled with TSA PreCheck. Free trials are often available. Since CLEAR is not a government program, it is fully operational during the shutdown.

Global Entry

Global Entry expedites re-entry into the United States for international travelers and includes TSA PreCheck benefits. DHS had suspended the program on February 22 due to the shutdown, but it reopened on March 11. If you travel internationally, Global Entry costs $100 for five years and can save significant time at both security checkpoints and customs on your return.

The 3-1-1 Liquids Rule

All liquids, aerosols, and gels must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less, packed in a single clear quart-sized plastic bag. One bag per passenger. Place this bag at the top of your carry-on so you can pull it out quickly. Common items people forget count as liquids: toothpaste, deodorant (gel or spray types), sunscreen, hand sanitizer, and even peanut butter. If in doubt, pack it in your checked luggage.

Electronics and Carry-On Organization

Unless you have TSA PreCheck, you will need to remove laptops and large electronics from your bag and place them in separate bins. Pack your electronics in an easily accessible spot, ideally in a dedicated laptop compartment or at the top of your bag. Consider using packing cubes to keep your bag organized so that if a TSA officer needs to search it, they can do so quickly. An organized bag means a faster screening.

What to Wear

Wear comfortable, easy-to-remove shoes in case you are asked to take them off (PreCheck members typically do not need to). Avoid heavy belts with large metal buckles, excessive jewelry, or clothing with metal embellishments that might trigger the body scanner. Dress in layers so you can quickly remove a jacket if needed. The goal is to move through the scanner without setting off alarms that require additional screening.

Leave Prohibited Items at Home

It sounds obvious, but prohibited items in carry-on bags are one of the biggest causes of checkpoint slowdowns. Common items that get flagged: pocket knives (even small ones), scissors with blades longer than 4 inches, tools like screwdrivers, and full-size bottles of shampoo or lotion. When a prohibited item is found, the entire line stops while the officer addresses it. Check the TSA's prohibited items list before you pack and save everyone time, including yourself.

Have Your Documents Ready

Before you even join the security line, have your boarding pass (printed or on your phone) and government-issued photo ID in your hand. Do not wait until you reach the front of the line to start digging through your bag. If you are traveling with a companion, make sure each person has their own documents ready. Every second saved at the ID check multiplies across thousands of passengers.

Choose Your Line Strategically

If the airport has multiple security checkpoints, check if one is shorter than the others. Some airports have checkpoints in different terminals that any passenger can use regardless of which terminal their gate is in. Ask an airport information desk or check the airport's app. Also, lines tend to be shortest very early in the morning and late in the evening. Mid-morning and mid-afternoon are typically the busiest periods.

Stay Hydrated and Comfortable

A four-hour line means four hours on your feet. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a water bottle (empty it before security and refill it afterward), and consider bringing a small snack. If you have mobility issues, ask about the TSA Cares program, which provides assistance for travelers with disabilities and medical conditions. You can call TSA Cares at (855) 787-2227 at least 72 hours before your flight to arrange help. If you need help finding the right number or navigating the request process, TechMaid can help you with that.

Be Patient and Kind to TSA Officers

This is important. TSA officers are not responsible for the shutdown. They are showing up to work every day to keep travelers safe while not receiving paychecks. Many are under enormous financial and emotional stress. Treating them with respect and patience costs you nothing and can make the entire experience better for everyone. A simple "thank you" goes a long way.

If You Miss Your Flight Due to TSA Lines

Airlines are generally not required to compensate you if you miss a flight because of long TSA lines, since the delay is caused by a government agency, not the airline. However, many airlines have been flexible during the shutdown. Contact your airline immediately, either through their app, by phone, or at the airport counter. Most will rebook you on the next available flight at no charge. Some airlines have issued travel waivers that allow free rebooking for passengers affected by TSA delays. Check your airline's website for current waiver policies.

Travel Insurance Considerations

If you have travel insurance, review your policy to see if "government shutdown" or "government action" is covered under trip delay or trip cancellation benefits. Some comprehensive travel insurance policies do cover delays caused by government shutdowns, but many basic policies do not. If you are booking new travel during the shutdown, consider purchasing a "cancel for any reason" policy for maximum flexibility.

Request TSA Cares Assistance

TSA Cares is a helpline for travelers with disabilities, medical conditions, or other special needs. Call (855) 787-2227 at least 72 hours before your flight. A TSA Cares representative can coordinate assistance at the checkpoint, including help with mobility devices, medical equipment, and medications that need special screening. This service is free and can significantly reduce stress. Need help with the call or the process? TechMaid can walk you through it step by step.

Request Wheelchair Assistance From Your Airline

Even if you do not normally use a wheelchair, consider requesting one for the airport during the shutdown. Standing in line for three or four hours is physically demanding for anyone. Airlines provide wheelchair assistance free of charge through the airport, including through security. Call your airline at least 48 hours before your flight to arrange this. You do not need a medical reason; the service is available to anyone who needs it.

Bring Medications in Your Carry-On

Always pack medications in your carry-on bag, never in checked luggage. Prescription medications are exempt from the 3-1-1 liquids rule, but you should declare them to TSA officers at the checkpoint. Keep medications in their original labeled containers. If you use insulin, syringes, or other medical supplies, these are also permitted in carry-on bags. Inform the TSA officer before screening begins to avoid any confusion.

Use TechMaid for Real-Time Travel Help

Not sure how to check airport wait times online? Confused about how to download your airline's app or check in on your phone? Struggling to find your airline's rebooking policy? TechMaid is here to help with all of these tech-related travel tasks. Just ask a question and get clear, patient, step-by-step guidance. No jargon, no judgment, just real help when you need it.

Amtrak and Regional Rail

For trips under 500 miles, Amtrak can be a viable alternative with no security lines. The Acela and Northeast Regional routes between Washington D.C., Philadelphia, New York, and Boston are particularly competitive with flying when you factor in airport arrival times, security waits, and travel to and from the airport. Amtrak does not require advance security screening, and you can bring full-size liquids, larger bags, and food onboard.

Road Trips

For destinations within driving distance, a road trip eliminates airport headaches entirely. Consider splitting the drive over two days for longer distances. Apps like Google Maps and Waze can help you avoid traffic and find stops along the way. If you are not comfortable with long drives, some car rental companies offer one-way rentals that let you drop off at your destination.

Delaying Non-Essential Travel

If your trip is flexible, consider postponing until the shutdown ends. Previous shutdowns have ended when the disruption became too severe for Congress to ignore. The fall 2025 shutdown ended after 43 days when air traffic controller shortages caused widespread flight cancellations. While no one can predict when this shutdown will end, waiting even a few weeks could mean a dramatically different airport experience.