Airport officials in Houston and New Orleans warned travelers on Sunday to expect unusually long security waits as TSA staffing shortages disrupted checkpoints during the Department of Homeland Security shutdown. At William P. Hobby Airport, posted wait times climbed to about three hours, while Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport told passengers to arrive well ahead of departure because delays could last through the week.
The Transportation Security Administration said several major airports were dealing with higher than normal absences, including Houston, Charlotte, and Atlanta, as spring break traffic added pressure to already strained operations. About 50,000 TSA screeners have been working without pay since Homeland Security funding lapsed after lawmakers failed to reach a deal on immigration policy.
The delays have already caused missed flights and longer boarding disruptions at some airports. Airlines and airport officials said the congestion was affecting operations during one of the busiest travel periods of the season, with millions of passengers expected to fly in the coming weeks.
