TSA Wait Times: Airport Security Staffing Issues & Shutdown Impact
Wait times at airport security checkpoints across the United States are increasing as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) grapples with staffing challenges exacerbated by the recent partial government shutdown. Passengers at some airports have reported security lines stretching to nearly two hours, disrupting travel plans nationwide.
The shutdown, which concluded earlier this month, led to significant disruptions within the TSA. Employees deemed non-essential were furloughed without pay, prompting some to call out of perform or resign altogether. According to the Department of Homeland Security, more than 400 TSA employees have left their positions since the shutdown began. The impact of these departures on specific airports, including Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, remains unclear.
The TSA, established in November 2001 in response to the September 11th attacks, is an agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Its primary mission is to secure the nation’s transportation systems, with a particular focus on airport security and preventing aircraft hijacking. The agency currently employs over 58,600 people and operates with an annual budget of $11.8 billion (2025 figures). TSA’s responsibilities extend beyond airports to include highways, railroads, bus networks, mass transit systems, ports, pipelines, and intermodal freight facilities.
Recent initiatives by the TSA include the rollout of TSA ConfirmID, a system designed to strengthen identity verification at airports. This system offers an identity verification option for travelers who do not possess a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification, but requires a $45 fee. The agency has also introduced the $45 fee for travelers without valid identification, and continues to promote TSA PreCheck® for expedited screening.
The Department of Homeland Security recently ended its long-standing policy requiring passengers to remove their shoes at security checkpoints. However, the agency continues to emphasize a layered, risk-based approach to transportation security, working with various stakeholders across different transportation sectors and intelligence communities. While airport checkpoints are the most visible aspect of TSA’s operations, the agency maintains that these represent only one layer of a broader security network.
The TSA is currently led by Acting Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill. The agency’s headquarters are located in Springfield, Fairfax County, Virginia. As of March 24, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security has not released a comprehensive assessment of the long-term impact of the staffing shortages on national security or projected recovery timelines.