Story perspectives

Travelers Face Hours-Long Delays Amid TSA Staffing Crisis

3/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

On Monday, travelers at Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport faced four-hour or longer waits as the federal government shutdown reduced TSA staffing.
The NTSB said staffing shortages delayed its LaGuardia crash investigation into two pilots' deaths, and NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy cited a Houston air traffic specialist stuck in line.
TSA absenteeism was 11.5% nationwide, with Houston callouts at 42.4% (Bush Intercontinental) and 47.4% (Hobby), reducing screening lanes and slowing lines.

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Story summary

On Monday, travelers at Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport faced four-hour or longer waits as the federal government shutdown reduced TSA staffing.
The NTSB said staffing shortages delayed its LaGuardia crash investigation into two pilots' deaths, and NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy cited a Houston air traffic specialist stuck in line.
TSA absenteeism was 11.5% nationwide, with Houston callouts at 42.4% (Bush Intercontinental) and 47.4% (Hobby), reducing screening lanes and slowing lines.