**Spring Break Travel Chaos: Long Airport Lines Amid DHS Shutdown**

As spring break kicks off across the U.S., travelers are facing unusually long lines at airports nationwide. The ongoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown has led to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screeners working without pay, causing significant staffing shortages and delays.

—

### Why Are Wait Times So Long?

Major airports such as Houston and Atlanta have reported security wait times reaching up to two hours, while New Orleans’s Louis Armstrong International Airport is advising passengers to arrive at least three hours before their scheduled departures. In Philadelphia, officials had to close three security checkpoints entirely this week due to understaffing.

TSA employees, deemed essential workers, have been working without pay since the shutdown began on February 14. Many missed their first full paycheck last week. Since the shutdown started, more than 300 TSA officers have quit, and absenteeism rates are soaring: over half of TSA staff in Houston called out sick, with nearly a third doing so in Atlanta and New Orleans.

This shortage comes amid heavy travel demand for spring break and disruptions caused by severe weather.

—

### Political Standoff and Threats

The shutdown continues as Congressional Democrats have declined to fund DHS, aiming to push for reforms in federal immigration enforcement practices. President Trump responded by threatening to deploy Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to airports if Democrats don’t “immediately” agree to fund DHS.

On Truth Social, Trump stated:
*”I will move our brilliant and patriotic ICE Agents to the Airports where they will do Security like no one has ever seen before, including the immediate arrest of all Illegal Immigrants who have come into our Country.”*
He further added he told ICE to “GET READY” to deploy to airports on Monday.

—

### The Impact on Travel

According to the industry group Airlines for America, about 2.8 million people are projected to travel each day on U.S. airlines during March and April, totaling a record 171 million passengers.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that if the shutdown continues, the situation will worsen. “If a deal isn’t cut, you’re going to see what’s happening today look like child’s play,” Duffy told CNN. He reassured travelers that airports remain safe but noted delays will increase due to fewer working agents. Smaller airports may even face temporary closures if staffing issues persist.

Internationally, the U.K.’s Foreign Office has issued warnings about longer-than-usual queues at U.S. airports and advises travelers to check with airlines and airports for updates.

—

### Offers and Challenges

On Saturday, billionaire Elon Musk offered to personally pay the salaries of TSA personnel during the funding impasse to help ease the situation. However, U.S. law generally prohibits government employees from accepting outside compensation for their work.

Meanwhile, travel demand remains high despite delays and disruptions. The ongoing conflict in Iran is pushing global oil prices higher, prompting airlines like United Airlines to cut some flights over the next six months due to soaring jet fuel costs. This is expected to drive ticket prices even higher.

Travel expert Clint Henderson noted, “The appetite for travel is insatiable. People seem willing to endure a lot of stuff to travel, and I don’t see any signs of that decreasing.”

—

### How Can Travelers Prepare?

Experts emphasize not just coping with long wait times but also the unpredictability of the situation. Here are some recommendations for travelers navigating the chaos:

1. **Know Before You Go**
Check airport websites for estimated security wait times, as knowing the situation in advance can save stress. While TSA’s official wait time updates may be irregular due to the shutdown, many airports provide current information. Notably, 20 U.S. airports use private contractors for screening instead of TSA and have not experienced staffing shortages or long queues. This group includes larger hubs such as San Francisco International and Kansas City International airports.

2. **Budget Extra Time**
Arrive at the airport well ahead of your flight’s boarding time. Last-minute arrivals are risky in the current climate, as delays can spike unexpectedly. For example, travelers at New York’s JFK recently faced closures of TSA PreCheck lanes, funneling everyone into longer regular lines.

3. **Consider Expedited Screening Options**
Signing up for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, which include biometric screening, can speed up the process—but these require advance enrollment and airline app confirmation. Alternatively, enrolling in the private CLEAR program at the airport allows faster screening but costs $209 annually. Some credit cards offer reimbursements for this fee.

Travelers should be aware, however, that expedited lanes are not always faster—it’s wise to assess all available lanes upon arrival.

4. **Have a Plan B**
Missed connections or cancellations are more likely now. Install your airline’s app, save customer service numbers, and know alternate airlines servicing your route. Though airlines prefer not to rebook on competitors, asking for alternatives may help you reach your destination sooner.

—

### Final Thoughts

With the DHS shutdown ongoing and no immediate resolution in sight, travelers should prepare for longer waits and potential disruptions. Being informed, patient, and proactive will help ease the stress of spring break travel during this challenging period.
https://www.npr.org/2026/03/21/nx-s1-5755796/airport-security-tsa-lines-travel-tips