US travelers have expressed concern about longer-than-usual TSA wait times at multiple airports amid the ongoing partial government shutdown. As the shutdown continues, TSA employees have yet to receive their paychecks, causing many to call in sick. Now that Donald Trump ICE has deployed agents at major airports, including JFK, LaGuardia and Atlanta, and local travelers are wondering where they can check updated TSA wait times as they prepare for their flights.
But above all, travelers are wondering whether there is an end in sight to the partial government shutdown.
Below, we detail everything we know so far about the ongoing TSA issue and what travelers can do to alleviate their concerns.
@eternityxo Atlanta Airport Today a lot of people missed their flight. #TSA #atlantaairport #ATL #airport #hartsfieldjacksonairport
♬ Intimidate (feat. her) – KAYTRANADA
Why are there long wait times for TSA now?
TSA Administrator Ha Nguyen MacNeil He said during a House Homeland Security Committee hearing that the TSA’s current wait times are the longest in history USA Today.
The reason behind the long wait times is the ongoing partial government shutdown as Congress struggles to approve Trump’s Save America Act. Democrats and Republicans have yet to reach an agreement, and are set to begin a two-week break amid the chaos plaguing the TSA and travelers.
@rhonesecret The TSA pre-screening outside was just like that. Your sign to get to the airport early. #JFK #newyork #airport #travel #tsa
♬ House featuring John Cale – Charli XCX and John Cale
Where can I check updated TSA wait times at all airports?
Before the partial government shutdown, travelers were able to check the My TSA app or their chosen airports to find updated TSA wait times. However, most of the apps are either paused or not displaying accurate data, according to multiple reports.
Social media users shared their own experiences at several airports. Many shared videos on TikTok and Instagram of crowded crowds in TSA line, while others were lucky and only had to wait several minutes to get through security. TSA wait times seem to peak in the early morning hours, causing long lines to get longer and worse.
Which airports have the worst TSA wait times?
According to multiple outlets, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport saw the longest wait time, extending to about six hours for some travelers in late March.
