March 12, 2026 — Major U.S. airports — TSA security lines reached up to 3.5 hours at Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport and similar durations at others including Louis Armstrong New Orleans International, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International and Charlotte Douglas International, due to staffing shortages from a partial Department of Homeland Security shutdown ongoing since mid-February.
The disruptions coincide with peak spring break travel, with airlines expecting a record 171 million passengers from March to April. Absences among TSA officers have doubled to an average 6% nationwide from 2% pre-shutdown, peaking at 9%, while over 300 officers quit since February 14, according to CBS News.
Affected Airports
Houston Hobby saw lines averaging 3.5 hours on March 8, prompting advice to arrive 4-5 hours early, per CNN and Fox News. At New Orleans, waits hit two hours, with lines extending into parking lots; the airport urged arriving at least three hours early.
Atlanta and Charlotte reported longer-than-average lines over the weekend, alongside George Bush Intercontinental in Houston. High absence rates exacerbated issues: 53% at Hobby on March 8.
Staffing Shortages and Shutdown Impact
About 50,000 TSA screeners are working without pay, facing their first full missed paycheck on March 13-14 after a partial one in late February. The shutdown stems from congressional disputes over immigration reforms.
“Travelers are facing TSA lines of up to nearly three hours long at some major airports, causing missed flights and massive delays during peak travel,” DHS spokesperson Lauren Bis said.
Unscheduled absences reached 9% nationally on February 23, with hotspots in Houston, New Orleans and Atlanta.
Official Reactions and Advice
Airports and TSA recommended arriving early: 4-5 hours at Houston, three hours at New Orleans and extra time at Atlanta.
“TSA is experiencing a shortage of workers at the security checkpoint, which is causing longer-than-average lines,” Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport stated.
Airlines for America CEO Chris Sununu called for urgent action: “Congress and the administration must act with urgency to reach a deal that reopens DHS.”
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise warned on X that 171 million travelers face delays, with wait times longer than three hours.
Former TSA Administrator John Pistole noted morale hits and recruitment challenges from prolonged shutdowns.
Travelers reported missing flights, with lines spilling into baggage claim and parking areas.
