Story perspectives

34-Day Shutdown Causes Major TSA Delays at Philly Airport

3/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

The partial U.S. government shutdown is now in its 34th day, reducing Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staffing, causing significant delays at Philadelphia International Airport.
As of March 18, three checkpoints are closed, extending wait times.
TSA reports callouts and resignations, with over 300 officers leaving since the shutdown began.
Travelers should arrive two-and-a-half hours early for domestic flights and three-and-a-half hours early for international flights, monitoring real-time updates.

History

Historical Context

The 2013 U.S. government shutdown, lasting 16 days from October 1 to 17, resulted from a budget impasse over the Affordable Care Act, leading to 800,000 federal employees being furloughed. This shutdown disrupted essential services, including airport operations, and cost the economy an estimated $24 billion, highlighting ongoing challenges in federal budget negotiations and their impact on public services.

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Story summary

The partial U.S. government shutdown is now in its 34th day, reducing Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staffing, causing significant delays at Philadelphia International Airport.
As of March 18, three checkpoints are closed, extending wait times.
TSA reports callouts and resignations, with over 300 officers leaving since the shutdown began.
Travelers should arrive two-and-a-half hours early for domestic flights and three-and-a-half hours early for international flights, monitoring real-time updates.

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