Story perspectives

Travel Chaos: 121 Million Fly Amid TSA Staffing Crisis

3/23/2026

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Travelers Face Delays

Travel chaos is escalating at U.S. airports as spring break begins, with over 121 million Americans expected to fly.
Newark Liberty International Airport reported 30-minute Transportation Security Administration (TSA) wait times.
Some airports face delays exceeding two hours.
The ongoing government shutdown has led to unpaid TSA agents calling in sick, worsening staffing shortages.
Travelers should arrive early and check real-time updates on airport websites.

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Airport Director Advises Travelers

Rochester, N.Y.,'s Frederick Douglas Greater International Airport reports a 20-minute security wait, despite the TSA staffing crisis tied to the government shutdown.
Rochester benefits from a TSA screening partnership that lets private contractors manage security.
Andy Moore, airport director at Frederick Douglas Greater International Airport, advises travelers to arrive early as spring break nears.
A vote to fund the Department of Homeland Security may occur soon, potentially affecting TSA operations.

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Private Screening Success

At 20 U.S. airports, private companies screen security, avoiding long lines during the shutdown.
San Francisco International Airport and Kansas City International Airport report minimal wait times, unlike sites overseen by the Transportation Security Administration.
VMD Corp. and BOS Security continue paying workers, preserving normal operations during the shutdown.
The Transportation Security Administration oversees these private operations, while contractors have hiring and pay flexibility.

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Travelers Face Delays

Travel chaos is escalating at U.S. airports as spring break begins, with over 121 million Americans expected to fly.
Newark Liberty International Airport reported 30-minute Transportation Security Administration (TSA) wait times.
Some airports face delays exceeding two hours.
The ongoing government shutdown has led to unpaid TSA agents calling in sick, worsening staffing shortages.
Travelers should arrive early and check real-time updates on airport websites.

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