By: Mason Halfin

Amid a fight in Congress for funding for the Department of Homeland Security, TSA lines have had record wait times. 

The Transportation Security Administration or TSA administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill spoke to the press recently, stating that TSA wait times at some locations are “greater than four and a half hours” (People, 2026). These waits have stemmed from a partial government beginning in February of this year, leaving TSA workers unpaid from that point on. This has led to some locations being 40% to 50% understaffed, leading to record waiting times (People, 2026). The government shutdown has been caused by a conflict in Congress where House and Senate leaders cannot come to terms on federal funding, which includes the Department of Homeland Security, the department that funds TSA. 

These wait times have caused concerns for travelers all over the United States. I talked to WVWC student Ben Ambler, who is from New Zealand, about his opinion or worries on the situation. “It worries me trying to get back home,” Ambler continued, “Everyone is saying to arrive three to four hours before my flight, that seems absurd, but I’d rather be safe than sorry.” 

The shutdown hasn’t just frustrated the travelers, but the TSA workers themselves. TSA union official told Fox News, “Morale among the workforce has taken a severe hit.” Also according to Fox News, over 500 TSA workers throughout the country have resigned from their job since the shut down. Spring break spikes in travelling has not helped the situation either. 

US president Donald Trump responded to the situation by stating on Thursday March 26^th that he would sign an “emergency act” to pay TSA workers (AP, 2026). He also stated in an AP News report that he wants to “stop the chaos at the airports.” President Trump has also sent ICE agents to some airports to try and assist the understaffed airports. This has caused drawback, asking if the agents are properly trained to do the job. 

For those of you planning on traveling, TSA officials have released some advice. Officials state to arrive to the airport at least three hours prior to your flight time. Of course, they recommend TSA PreCheck to help get through the lines as quickly and smoothly as possible. Other travel experts recommend booking morning flights if possible to see the least amount of delays, along with basic advice like, expect the unexpected, and to also check your airline apps for updates.

Picture by: NEW: ICE Deployed At Airports As TSA Lines Stretch For HOURS Amid Shutdown Chaos