Major U.S. airports are experiencing hours-long security delays as a federal funding impasse causes severe TSA officer shortages. Travelers relying on paid expedited screening programs like TSA PreCheck and CLEAR for faster access are finding lanes closed or wait times dramatically extended at key hubs including Houston, Atlanta, and New Orleans.
Expedited Screening Services Fail Under Strain
Programs designed to bypass long security lines are succumbing to operational pressures. At George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, TSA PreCheck lanes closed by mid-morning Monday and CLEAR was unavailable. Similar disruptions occurred Sunday at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson, where PreCheck waits reportedly reached four to five hours and CLEAR lanes were closed. CLEAR confirmed service may be affected at some locations due to rapidly changing conditions.
Staffing Shortages Trigger Widespread Disruptions
The delays stem from a critical shortage of TSA officers, with more than 3,450 calling out of work Sunday. Callout rates approached 40% at the hardest-hit airports. Approximately 50,000 TSA officers have worked without pay since mid-February due to a congressional standoff over Department of Homeland Security funding, leading hundreds to quit and thousands to miss work over financial hardship.
Wait Times Vary Widely by Airport and Time
While some airports face extreme delays, others report minimal disruption. On Monday, TSA PreCheck significantly outpaced standard screening at several major airports:
| Airport | Standard Lane Wait | TSA PreCheck Wait |
|---|---|---|
| Orlando International (MCO) | Up to 45 minutes | ~10 minutes |
| Philadelphia International (PHL) | Up to 28 minutes | Under 5 minutes |
| Denver International (DEN) | Minimal | Minimal |
Travelers are advised to check their airport’s real-time security wait time website or app before departing, as conditions are volatile and some airports have suspended this data.
Sources
https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/detroit-metro-airport-tsa-government-shutdown/
