Houston Airport TSA Wait Times Top 3 Hours As Unpaid Screeners Told To Get Loans During Shutdown
HOUSTON – Travelers at Houston’s Bush Intercontinental airport (IAH) and William P. hobby Airport (HOU) are facing TSA wait times exceeding three hours as teh government shutdown enters its second week, leaving thousands of transportation Security Administration (TSA) screeners working without pay. The mounting delays are a direct result of increased call-outs and reduced staffing levels as screeners grapple wiht financial hardship.
The shutdown,triggered by a disagreement between Congress and the White House over border wall funding,is impacting approximately 51,000 TSA employees nationwide. While deemed essential personnel and required to work, these employees missed their first paycheck on Friday, January 5th, and face uncertainty about future payments. Reports indicate TSA officials have advised screeners to apply for loans to cover expenses during the lapse in funding.
Airports across the country are beginning to feel the strain, but Houston is experiencing particularly acute delays. According to passenger reports and social media posts, wait times at IAH have surpassed three hours during peak travel periods, with Hobby Airport also reporting significant backups. The situation is expected to worsen as the shutdown continues and more screeners struggle to afford commuting costs and basic necessities.
“Nobody knows how long the government shutdown will go on,” reports Forbes, noting that betting markets predict the shutdown will last at least 46 days (until November 15th) according to Kalshi, and potentially 62 days (until December 1st) as predicted by Polymarket.
The Department of Homeland Security recently produced a video blaming Democrats for the shutdown, but several airports, including those in Houston, have refused to air the message, citing concerns over its political nature and potential Hatch Act violations.
Travelers are advised to arrive at Houston airports substantially earlier than usual and to check with their airlines for potential delays. The ongoing shutdown also raises concerns about potential impacts to air travel safety as overworked and financially stressed screeners face increased pressure. Forbes previously reported that TSA screeners are facing longer airport lines as an inevitable result of the missed paycheck.
