TSA Staffing Shortages Lead to Three-Hour Wait Times in Houston and New Orleans

The U.S. is four weeks into the latest partial government shutdown, and travel is starting to be materially impacted.

Some spring break travelers at a handful of U.S. airports, including William P. Hobby (HOU) in Houston and Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY), waited three-plus hours at security on Sunday due to a shortage of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers. According to local reports, the lines in Houston were so long that passengers had to be funneled through the baggage claim area.

TSA staff have been working without pay since the shutdown began on Feb. 14. Staffing shortages are now trickling down to the traveler experience as workers begin calling out, with some seeking short-term employment to cover expenses in the interim.

“The partial federal government shutdown is impacting TSA staffing at William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). The number of available screening lanes can fluctuate shift-by-shift,” the airport said in a statement on Sunday.

Officials at Houston Hobby advised all passengers on Sunday to arrive at the airport four hours early, regardless of whether they are flying on international or domestic routes. A similar warning came from officials in New Orleans, who asked all travelers to arrive at the airport at least three hours early.

Some airlines are warning travelers to be aware of the delays. JetBlue issued an advisory on Saturday recommending that travelers arrive “at least 3 hours before your scheduled departure time for domestic flights, and at least 4 hours for international flights, to avoid issues making your flight.”

The question now is how widespread these delays will become as the shutdown continues. Unlike some previous funding lapses, this one specifically affects the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which includes the TSA, but not air traffic controllers (ATCs). In previous shutdowns, ATC absences were the primary pressure point that caused enough nationwide disruption to force congressional action.

Travel groups across the U.S. are urging Congress to either pass DHS funding or ensure aviation workers are paid. The latest push comes from a coalition of major trade associations, including U.S. Travel, Airlines for America, the American Association of Airport Executives, and the American Hotel & Lodging Association. Their campaign, “Pay Federal Aviation Workers,” asks Americans to urge Congress to pass legislation ensuring that essential federal aviation employees continue to receive paychecks during government shutdowns.

“Funding disruptions should not compromise the safety and reliability of America’s air travel system, and this campaign aims to compel Congress to act,” the groups said.