How the Government Shutdown Is Affecting TSA Wait Times (And What to Do About It)
How the Government Shutdown Is Affecting TSA Wait Times (And What to Do About It)
If you've been following the news, you know the federal government has been shut down since October 1st — and if you're planning to travel anytime soon, you're probably wondering what that means for your airport experience.
Here's what you need to know right now if you're traveling during the shutdown — and how to prepare yourself for a smoother airport experience.
What's Actually Happening at Airports?
TSA Agents and Air Traffic Controllers Are Working Without Pay
Think about that for a second. These are the people responsible for screening millions of passengers and managing thousands of flights every single day. And they're doing it without knowing when they'll be paid.
Employee Absences Are Rising
Predictably, the number of callouts has surged, particularly over recent weekends, as workers pursue other ways to make ends meet or simply can't afford to keep showing up.
During the 2018-2019 shutdown, roughly 10% of TSA workers called in sick, driving up screening times at major airports across the country. We're starting to see similar patterns now.
Which Airports Are Affected?
Houston airports have been hit particularly hard, with wait times extending up to three hours in some cases. Other major hubs experiencing delays include:
The average wait time nationally is still relatively short — around 5 minutes on many days — but that's the average. Individual airports and specific time windows can see significantly longer delays.
Is It Still Safe to Fly?
The aviation industry insists that safety is not being compromised. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy explained that when staffing issues arise, the FAA slows down flights so the controllers who are present can manage them safely.
But there's no sugarcoating it: union leaders and aviation experts acknowledge that more risk is introduced into the system when controllers are stressed, fatigued, and worried about paying their bills.
What About Thanksgiving Travel?
If you're planning to fly for Thanksgiving, you need to pay attention.
By the time Thanksgiving arrives, air traffic controllers and TSA agents will have been working without pay for more than eight weeks — significantly longer than the 2018 shutdown, which began just days before Christmas.
Aviation experts anticipate that more employees will call out due to financial stress and fatigue, potentially triggering widespread delays and cancellations during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
The advice from industry insiders? Prepare for the worst, hope for the best.
How to Protect Your Travel Plans During the Shutdown
Okay, enough doom and gloom. Let's talk about what you can actually do to minimize stress and get through the airport as smoothly as possible.
1. Arrive Earlier Than Usual
I know, everyone says this. But right now, it's not optional advice — it's essential.
If you'd normally arrive 90 minutes early for a domestic flight, make it 2.5 to 3 hours. For international flights, consider 3.5 to 4 hours.
Yes, that sounds excessive. But sitting at your gate with extra time is infinitely better than sprinting through the terminal and missing your flight.
2. Be TSA-Ready Before You Get in Line
When checkpoints are understaffed, every second counts. The more prepared you are, the faster you move through — which helps everyone behind you too.
Before you even approach security:
- Have your ID and boarding pass ready (digital is fine, but have a backup)
- Remove laptops, liquids, and large electronics from your bag
- Take off shoes, belts, and jackets
- Empty your pockets completely
If you can breeze through the metal detector on your first attempt, you're already ahead of 50% of travelers.
3. Pack Smart (Seriously)
This is where being TSA-ready from the start makes a huge difference.
- Use clear, quart-sized bags for liquids (and keep them accessible in an outer pocket)
- Organize your carry-on with packing cubes so TSA can see everything clearly
- Avoid overpacking — a lighter, more organized bag is easier to screen
- Keep chargers and electronics in one easy-to-access section
The goal is simple: make it easy for TSA to do their job quickly. A well-organized bag rarely gets pulled for secondary screening.
4. Monitor Your Flight Status Obsessively
Download your airline's app and turn on notifications. Flight delays and cancellations related to staffing shortages have been popping up across the country, sometimes with little warning.
Check your flight status:
- The night before your trip
- The morning of your flight
- An hour before you leave for the airport
- Right before you get in the TSA line
If there's a delay or cancellation, you want to know immediately so you can rebook or adjust your plans.
5. Consider TSA PreCheck (If You Don't Have It Already)
Look, I get it — paying $78 for five years of TSA PreCheck feels like giving in to a broken system.
But right now? With TSA agents stretched thin and regular security lines getting longer, PreCheck can be the difference between making your flight and missing it.
If you travel even 2-3 times a year, it's worth it for the peace of mind alone.
6. Be Patient and Kind
This one's important.
The TSA agents and air traffic controllers keeping the aviation system running right now are doing so without paychecks. They're stressed, they're tired, and they're showing up anyway because they take their jobs seriously.
A little patience and a genuine "thank you" goes a long way.
The Bottom Line
Can you still travel during the government shutdown? Yes.
Should you expect a perfectly smooth airport experience? Probably not.
The system is holding together for now, but it's under strain. The U.S. Travel Association estimates the travel economy is losing $1 billion per week due to shutdown-related disruptions, and the longer this continues, the worse it's likely to get.
If you have the flexibility to delay non-essential travel until after the shutdown ends, that's probably your safest bet. But if you need to fly — whether for work, family, or a long-planned trip — you can absolutely still do it.
You just need to be prepared, patient, and proactive.
And hey, that's kind of what Traversatile is all about: taking control of your travel experience, even when the circumstances aren't ideal.
Get TSA-Ready for Your Next Flight
If you're gearing up for a trip during the shutdown, make sure your carry-on game is strong.
Shop TSA-Friendly Picks →Everything you need to move through security efficiently — even when the lines are long.
Stay Updated
This situation is evolving day by day. We'll keep monitoring the shutdown's impact on travel and update this post as new information becomes available.
Safe travels, everyone. We'll get through this.