There’s no such thing as arriving at the airport too early amid the partial government shutdown, and that’s especially true this weekend.
Airports around the country have seen TSA lines and wait times balloon due to Transportation Security Administration worker shortages, and spring break isn’t helping.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport expects more than 3.7 million spring break travelers to pass through it between Thursday, March 19 and Monday, March 23.
The world’s busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, is also expecting high volume and advising travelers to arrive at least three hours before scheduled flight departures.
Before leaving for the airport, here’s what you should know.
When to Get to the Airport
Typically, travelers are advised to arrive two hours early for domestic flights and three hours early for international flights, but travelers should check their airport’s website for information about security lines and plan to leave extra time before their flight.
Best-case scenario, you get through security early. Pack a book, phone charger or snack to tide yourself over until your flight.
Worst-case scenario, you don’t give yourself enough time and miss your flight entirely.
How to Check TSA Wait Times
TSA is not updating wait times on its MyTSA mobile app during the government shutdown, but some airports are updating wait times on their respective websites and social media.
Not all airports specify how early travelers should arrive, but airports like Newark Liberty International are advising passengers to “please allow extra travel time” due to longer security waits.
What You’re Owed if You Miss Your Flight
Usually, airlines don’t owe you anything if you miss a flight due to something within your control. However, some airlines may rebook you on the next available flight as a courtesy.
Of course, travelers can’t control how long security screening takes during the government shutdown, but they can control how early they arrive at the airport.
Airports Could Close
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in an interview on CNBC Thursday night that smaller airports could be forced to close if TSA staffing shortages persist, which he warned will become more likely in the next week as officers are set to miss another paycheck.
“This is going to look like child’s play what’s happening right now. You’re going to see small airports, I believe, shut down. You’re going to see extensive lines, and air travel is almost going to come to a grid-halt, stop,” Duffy said.
That echoed a warning from Acting Deputy TSA Administrator Adam Stahl earlier this week, who similarly said that smaller airports may be forced to close temporarily if the partial government shutdown continues.
Why Are TSA Wait Times So Long?
TSA workers are not being paid during the partial government shutdown, due to funding lapses at the Department of Homeland Security. During the previous government shutdown last fall, many federal workers had to pick up side work to make ends meet. Some could no longer afford childcare.
“Many TSA officers cannot pay their rent, buy food, or afford to put gas in their cars — forcing them to call out sick from work. At Houston Hobby Airport, call-outs reached a staggering 55% over the weekend,” the Department of Homeland Security posted on X on March 17.
The same day, DHS noted 366 TSA officers have left the force since the current shutdown began, suggesting longer-term impacts even after the shutdown ends. “This loss significantly decreases TSA’s ability to meet passenger demand and leaves critical gaps in staffing, as each new recruit requires 4-6 MONTHS of training,” the department posted.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Flying this weekend? TSA still isn’t getting paid, what to know.
Reporting by Eve Chen and Zach Wichter, USA TODAY / USA TODAY
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
