It could be another tough weekend at airports as the partial government shutdown hits the one-month mark and increasingly takes its toll on airport security checkpoints.
As Transportation Security Administration officials continue to work without pay, travelers could find more security lines snaking through terminals in the coming days. Travelers may even risk missing flights if they do not arrive at the airport early enough.
Last weekend, long traffic jams plagued airports from Houston to Atlanta, New Orleans and Charlotte. with three hour waits during the worst stretches.
It’s unclear which airports could see delays next – disruptions have been unpredictable across the country in recent days and we’ve heard many reports of smooth security.
But the threat of long lines isn’t likely to end anytime soon, especially as spring break travel picks up.
According to TSA checkpoint data, Thursday was the busiest day at U.S. airports since Jan. 4, which was the end of the New Year’s travel rush.
The terminals are likely to be even more crowded on Friday and Sunday (March 13 and 15).
At one point Friday morning, local Austin media shared a video of security lines at the gate of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS).
The airport confirmed that the traffic jams lasted approximately two hours during the morning rush hour, between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. CDT, before clearing.
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Separately, Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) announced the closure of its Terminal C checkpoint “to help streamline operations at other checkpoints.”
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the TSA, has been closed since February 14, and lawmakers were unable to reach a deal to fund the department or TSA officers’ salaries.
As essential workers, TSA employees are expected to continue reporting to work during a shutdown, but without the promise of an immediate paycheck.
And that disruption to officer salaries comes on the heels of a broader 43-day government shutdown last fall. And together, they have fueled a series of recent complaints and resignations from the agency, CBS News. reported Wednesday.
“People should be prepared that this is going to drag on and cause longer lines,” Todd Hauptli, executive director of the American Association of Airport Executives, said at a news conference last week.
Tips for navigating TSA checkpoints during the shutdown
Here’s how to prepare if you’re heading to the airport during the partial government shutdown.
Get to the airport early
You’ll probably want to arrive at the airport earlier than usual to prepare for the possibility of long security lines. (This is not the week to try the “airport theory.” You may miss your flight.)
This is especially true if you don’t have accelerated security memberships like Clear or TSA PreCheck.
How early should you arrive at the airport?
The big question: How do you know how far in advance to get to the airport?
It’s complicated.
Normally I would tell you to consult with TSA enforcementwhich typically provides real-time security line monitoring. But due to the lockdown, the app says it is not updated regularly.
My best suggestion: check with your airport. Several major centers have real-time security monitoring, such as this page You can check at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), the second busiest airport in the United States.
If your airport No If you have a page like this, check out their social media page. Many centers have been posting status updates.
For example, Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), which was the epicenter of last weekend’s delays, said this week that wait times were improving after TSA reinforcements arrived to assist at checkpoints.
By the way, wait times at HOU were less than 10 minutes on Friday, a dramatic improvement over Sunday and Monday.
Try other checkpoints
See a crowded security line? Check with an airport customer service employee to see if there is another checkpoint that may be faster.
Some airports have security checkpoints that are regularly less crowded and less used, and can be something of a “hidden secret.”
Personally, I’d rather walk to another checkpoint further away (if possible) than wait in a long line.
TSA PreCheck and Clear are your best options
As always, the best way to get through airport security quickly remains TSA PreCheck, whether you have a standalone PreCheck membership or get access to expedited lanes through Global Entry.
Plus, you can avoid the longest lines at security by linking your TSA PreCheck access with a Clear subscription.
Bonus Tip: Try TSA’s New Superfast TSA PreCheck Contactless ID Lanesthat allow you to pass through security without having to take out your ID or boarding pass. It doesn’t cost anything extra if you’re already a PreCheck member, but you must register through your airline profile.
Make sure you have your known traveler number attached
An important note about TSA PreCheck: Make sure it is on your boarding pass before arriving at the airport.
Otherwise, you’ll need to find your known traveler number and attach it to your airline profile.
Do your part to keep the lines moving
Finally, TSA lines always move faster when every traveler does their part to keep everything running as smoothly as possible.
That includes making sure your carry-on items meet agency standards. 3-1-1 liquid policy. A stubborn 16-ounce bottle of sunscreen or shampoo slows down the lanes for everyone.
And remember: even if you go through the standard safety lanes, you no longer need to take off your shoes.
The 1 little good news
While the potential for long lines at TSA checkpoints remains, there was a fortunate update for travelers this week.
The Department of Homeland Security chose to reactivate Global Entrythe fast track program that allows vetted and paying members to pass passport control through biometric kiosks. Service resumed Wednesday morning.
The program had been closed 17 days earlier by the Trump administration in an unusual decision that broke with previous closure procedures and drew heavy criticism across the travel sector.
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