March 14, 2026 — Nationwide — Major U.S. airports including Austin, Houston, JFK, Atlanta and Chicago O’Hare are gripped by hours-long TSA security lines caused by a partial Department of Homeland Security shutdown now on day 30, leading TSA agents to receive their first zero-paycheck and airlines such as American, Delta, Southwest and United to deny refunds for missed flights under policies holding passengers responsible for early arrival.
TSA unscheduled absences have doubled to 6% nationwide from 2% pre-shutdown, with peaks up to 53% at Houston’s Hobby Airport and more than 300 officers resigning since mid-February. Lines have stretched over three hours at hubs like Houston Hobby, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, New Orleans and Austin, where eyewitnesses reported queues extending far outside terminals.
Airline Refund Policies
Airlines are not issuing refunds for flights missed due to TSA delays, as these are deemed the passenger’s responsibility separate from carrier operations. DOT rules require refunds only for airline-caused issues, not security waits.
DC-Area Ground Stop
On March 13, flights at Reagan National (DCA), Dulles (IAD), BWI and Richmond (RIC) airports were halted by a ground stop after a strong odor from an overheated circuit board at Potomac TRACON. Operations resumed after replacement, though delays persisted.
“The source of the strong odor was traced to a circuit board that overheated, and it was replaced. Thank you for your patience as we get flights up and running again,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said.
Today’s Disruptions
Flight disruptions reached 5,356 nationwide, with 446 cancellations and 4,910 delays, worst at O’Hare with 1,118 delays. Southwest led with 568 delays and American 563, amid spring break travel, weather systems and TSA staffing woes.
“These frontline heroes received only partial paychecks earlier this month and now face their first full missed paycheck, leading to financial hardship, absences, and crippling staffing shortages,” DHS spokesperson Lauren Bis said.[https://www.cnn.com/2026/03/10/us/tsa-shutdown-lines]
TSA union official Johnny Jones noted coworkers facing eviction and donating plasma, warning Congress to pass funding. Travelers are advised to arrive three to five hours early and check wait times.
