The US airports where you should brace for long security lines as unpaid TSA agents stop showing up for work
Airline passengers waited in long lines to get through security screening at William P. Hobby Airport in Houston on Sunday, March 8, 2026. The line stretched from the security checkpoint into the lower level baggage claim area and to the parking garage. Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images
The effects of the partial government shutdown were on display in some US airports starting on Sunday.
As TSA agents are expected to miss their first full paycheck on Saturday because of the partial shutdown, which started in February, some are not coming in to work. It’s resulting in long lines in some airports, and it comes as air travel hits the busy spring break period.
In X posts on Monday, the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the TSA, described the situation as “spring break under siege” and shared photos of throngs of people waiting in an airport.
SPRING BREAK UNDER SIEGE.
The Democrats’ DHS shutdown has led to HOURS long security lines at airports across the country, leading Americans to miss their spring break flights.
There is ZERO reason for spring break travel to be held hostage for political points — Democrats… pic.twitter.com/sp1vnzXJbb
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) March 8, 2026
For now, the chaos appears largely localized to a handful of airports — but travelers should expect lines across the US to worsen the longer the security officers work without pay.
Funding for the Department of Homeland Security expired in mid-February after Democratic lawmakers demanded changes to federal immigration enforcement efforts.
TSA agents also worked without pay during the record government shutdown in October and November, and received their back pay once the government reopened.
Here’s a look at some of the airports where travelers can expect longer TSA wait times.
This is a developing story; please check back for updates.
Louis Armstrong New Orleans Airport
“Please plan to arrive to the Airport 3 hours early if you have travel scheduled on Monday,” New Orleans Airport wrote on X Monday morning.
The airport said security screening wait times could reach up to two hours and warned the delays could continue through the week.
Please plan to arrive to the Airport 3 hours early if you have travel scheduled on Monday. pic.twitter.com/nrNNwNl1wo
— New Orleans Airport (@flyneworleans) March 9, 2026
Houston Hobby Airport
Travelers flying through Houston Hobby Airport should arrive three to four hours before their flight, the airport wrote on X on Sunday.
It warned that TSA wait times could exceed 120 minutes.
If you’re heading to the airport, plan to arrive early and allow extra time for TSA security. pic.twitter.com/7LhNb5bY1d
— Hobby Airport (@HobbyAirport) March 8, 2026
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
In a Monday X post, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport said it was experiencing extended wait times at TSA checkpoints. It did not specify how long the lines are, but advised travelers to arrive early.
Please continue to monitor airline communications and ATL’s official social channels for additional updates and information.
Visit https://t.co/EjGVf16uiR for resources. pic.twitter.com/ttiaq6UZDI
— Atlanta Airport (@ATLairport) March 9, 2026
Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport
Houston’s larger airport, George Bush Intercontinental, said in a Monday X post that fewer TSA lanes due to the shutdown may lead to longer wait times. The airport was reporting 20 minutes or less as of Monday afternoon.
As a result of the federal government shutdown, fewer TSA lanes may be open.
Arrive early and allow for extra time for security.
Click below for more info and to see our FAQs:https://t.co/OJ0HtTRwFV pic.twitter.com/TGfovemXjY
— Bush Airport (@iah) March 9, 2026
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