TSA Staffing Crisis Leads to Extended Airport Wait Times

The ongoing partial government shutdown has severely impacted the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), leading to unprecedented wait times at major U.S. airports. As TSA officers have gone without pay for over 40 days, staffing shortages have resulted in long security lines, with reports of wait times exceeding two hours at some locations, including LaGuardia Airport in New York City.

When to expect normal airport security wait times, as TSA officers begin to receive back payCincinnati EnquirerAnchorage Daily NewsThe Record (New Jersey)USA Today

In response to the crisis, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on March 27, 2026, directing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to issue paychecks to TSA employees. This move aims to alleviate the staffing shortages that have led to long lines at airports. However, the funding situation remains precarious, as Congress has yet to reach a long-term agreement to fully fund the TSA and DHS. The shutdown has already lasted 44 days, surpassing the previous record of 43 days.

Anchorage Daily NewsWhen to expect normal airport security wait times, as TSA officers begin to receive back payUSA TodayThe Record (New Jersey)Cincinnati Enquirer

As of March 30, 2026, reports indicate that while some airports are beginning to see improvements, significant delays persist. Newark Liberty International Airport and LaGuardia Airport reported wait times of 15 to 30 minutes and 45 to 60 minutes, respectively. In contrast, other airports, such as George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, reported wait times of 5 to 12 minutes. Despite the promise of paychecks, TSA callout rates remained high, with over 10% of officers absent from work as of March 29.

The Record (New Jersey)

The deployment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to assist with airport security has drawn criticism from various officials, including New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill, who stated, "Trump’s ICE has a track record of making communities less safe." Critics argue that relying on untrained ICE agents for airport security is not a viable solution to the staffing crisis.

The Record (New Jersey)

DHS Acting Assistant Secretary of Public Affairs Lauren Bis expressed gratitude for the funding restoration, stating, "TSA officers should begin seeing paychecks as early as today." However, the long-term implications of the funding situation remain uncertain, with TSA officer Jill DeJanovich noting, "We're only gonna be back-paid for the paychecks that we missed."

When to expect normal airport security wait times, as TSA officers begin to receive back pay

While some airports have reported improvements in wait times, others continue to experience significant delays. For instance, LaGuardia Airport still advised travelers to arrive at least three hours early due to ongoing congestion. The disparity in reported wait times raises questions about the overall effectiveness of the government's response to the crisis.

USA Today

As the busy spring break travel season continues, the impact of the TSA's staffing issues on airport security lines remains a critical concern. Travelers are advised to check individual airport websites and social media for real-time updates on wait times, as the situation evolves. The future of TSA staffing and funding will depend on ongoing negotiations in Congress, which are currently at a stalemate.

When to expect normal airport security wait times, as TSA officers begin to receive back pay

• “Trump’s ICE has a track record of making communities less safe, and sending untrained ICE agents to staff our airports is not an acceptable solution,” — Mikie Sherrill, Governor of New Jersey

The Record (New Jersey)

• “We're only gonna be back-paid for the paychecks that we missed.” — Jill DeJanovich, TSA Officer

When to expect normal airport security wait times, as TSA officers begin to receive back pay