WARNING: Expect Hours-long Lines at TSA Security If You're Flying Soon

Airport security lines are getting longer and longer due to the partial government shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) — with no signs of relief anytime soon, according to CNN.

TSA PreCheck at MCO

The department, which is responsible for overseeing the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at airports, posted photos of long lines at security checkpoints on social media, ultimately blaming Democrats for the situation. Homeland Security funding lapsed in mid-February due to a standoff between Republicans and Democrats over federal immigration reform.

According to reports, the TSA lines at Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport were more than three hours long on Sunday afternoon, with the airport advising passengers to arrive four to five hours before their flights.

MCO Airport Security

“The Government shutdown may impact security operations from one day – and even one shift to the next,” Hobby Airport posted on social media. “We appreciate your patience and understanding as our federal partners work to maintain the safety of all passengers.”

TSA

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport also saw long lines, with passengers being advised to arrive three hours before their scheduled departure time. One CNN affiliate showed footage of the security line stretching outside the airport and into a parking garage.

“Due to impacts from the federal government’s partial shutdown, the TSA is experiencing a shortage of workers at the security checkpoint, which is causing longer-than-average lines,” according to the airport on social media. “The Airport has staff on hand to help keep the lines organized, and we will continue to coordinate with our federal partners with the TSA as they navigate this issue.”

©AP

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, Charlotte Douglas International, and George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston all reported longer than normal lines as well.

TSA workers received just a partial paycheck on February 28th, and they will not receive their first full paycheck on March 14th.

Southwest Planes at Orlando International Airport

If you’ve got an upcoming trip planned, make sure you’re checking the latest information from your departure airport about their recommendation on when to show up for TSA security checks. Some are advising to arrive up to four or five hours early — so plan accordingly.

TSA Precheck is still operating as of this writing, so consider registering for that if you haven’t already to bypass some of the security lines, though it’s not a guarantee at this point that it will save you much time.

PreCheck signage

Some airports may even feature live updates about the current TSA wait times, like Orlando International Airport (MCO), which you can check out right here.

©MCO

MCO Reserve is another option for flying out of Orlando. MCO Reserve allows travelers to reduce stress by planning ahead and reserving a dedicated time slot for their party to go through TSA security screening. You can find more information and register for this service here.

We’ll be on the lookout for more TSA updates that could impact your next trip. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest travel and Disney news!

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Have you had any recent flights impacted by this shutdown? Let us know in the comments below.