TSA Delays Surge Across US Airports Amid Funding Impasse

American travelers are facing significantly longer security lines at airports nationwide as a result of a federal funding lapse impacting the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Airports in major cities, including New York City, Atlanta, and Houston, are reporting wait times exceeding 2.5 hours, with some lines stretching to parking lots.

Staffing Shortages and “Hacking” the System

The delays are attributed to increased sick calls among TSA workers who are currently working without pay due to the ongoing government funding gridlock. According to the TSA, sick calls have risen to 10%, compared to a typical rate of 2%. This staffing shortage is exacerbating congestion at security checkpoints.

Some passengers are attempting to circumvent the long lines by utilizing international TSA checkpoints, intended for travelers departing to international destinations. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport cautioned against this practice, stating that wait times at the International Checkpoint are currently longer than those at the Domestic Terminal. Airport officials urged domestic travelers to use the designated Domestic Security Checkpoints. Fox News reported on this issue.

Impact on Travelers and the Economy

The extended wait times are causing significant disruption for travelers, with some missing or delaying flights. TSA Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill stated that higher call-outs can lead to missed or delayed flights, which have a “cascading negative impact on the American economy.” Fox News

Travelers are adapting by arriving at airports significantly earlier than usual. Bill Guidice, a Florida resident traveling from LaGuardia Airport, arrived 2.5 hours before his flight after monitoring wait times online.

TSA Worker Concerns and Historical Context

TSA employees are facing financial hardship due to the lack of pay. The agency hasn’t fully recovered from a previous 43-day government shutdown, during which many workers experienced late fees, eviction notices, and childcare difficulties. In October and November 2025, 1,110 Transportation Security Officers left the TSA, a 25% increase compared to the same period in 2024, citing “uncertainty, stress, missed paychecks, and financial hardships.”

Mitigation Efforts and Alternatives

The Port Authority is deploying additional customer care staff to manage queues and assist passengers. Travelers are encouraged to check airport websites and airline apps for real-time wait time information. Utilizing TSA PreCheck and TSA’s touchless ID are also recommended as ways to expedite the screening process.

Political Standoff and Potential Solutions

The current situation is rooted in a political standoff over competing funding priorities. Senate Democrats have proposed separate funding for the TSA, while Republicans have sought to combine it with funding for ICE. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand criticized the repeated refusals to fund the TSA separately as “sheer dysfunction” that undermines airport security.

Surge in TSA PreCheck Enrollment

The airport chaos has led to a surge in enrollment for TSA PreCheck. An employee at an office supply store offering PreCheck enrollment reported a significant increase in applications, driven by viral videos on social media showcasing the long security lines.