March 15, 2026 — Major U.S. airports, including Houston’s William P. Hobby, New Orleans’ Louis Armstrong International, Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson, Austin-Bergstrom and Chicago’s O’Hare, reported TSA security lines of 2-3 hours or more during peak spring break travel, attributed to a partial Department of Homeland Security shutdown since February 13 that left about 50,000 TSA officers working without pay, causing staffing shortages, doubled absences and over 300 resignations.
US Airports Grappling with Hours-Long TSA Security Lines Amid DHS Shutdown and Staff Shortages peaked over the March 8-9 weekend, with Houston Hobby lines averaging 3.5 hours on Sunday and extending into parking garages at New Orleans, while Austin lines stretched outdoors. Airports like Atlanta and Charlotte Douglas also saw waits up to 60 minutes, leading to missed flights and chaos.
Causes of the Delays
The shutdown stemmed from congressional failure to agree on immigration enforcement reforms, halting DHS funding. TSA officers received partial paychecks in late February but missed their first full paycheck around March 13-14, exacerbating absences.
“TSA is experiencing a shortage of workers at the security checkpoint, which is causing longer-than-average lines.”
— Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport statement
DHS reported lines up to nearly three hours, with spokesperson Lauren Bis attributing chaos to Democrats.
Airport and Traveler Responses
Affected airports issued advisories: Houston Hobby urged 4-5 hours early arrival; New Orleans recommended three hours. Travelers like Gal Jurick at New Orleans described lines circling garages seven times.
“We’re seeing strong travel demand with fewer screening lanes open at some checkpoints. When more passengers meet fewer security lanes, wait times can grow quickly.”
— Jim Sczesniak, Houston Airports director
TSA officer Darrell English at Chicago Midway warned of a “drastic change” post-paycheck.
Airlines for America CEO Chris Sununu called the shutdown “unacceptable.”
Ongoing Impacts and Outlook
By March 12, some hubs like Atlanta saw waits drop, but experts predict worsening after the paycheck miss amid record spring travel. Viral videos showed spring breakers enduring lines, with reports of PreCheck closures at Hobby and New Orleans. For more aviation updates, see Aeronautics Online.
US Airports Grappling with Hours-Long TSA Security Lines Amid DHS Shutdown and Staff Shortages continues as political stalemate persists, affecting 60,000 federal workers.
