By Michael Thompson
WASHINGTON — Travelers across the United States are enduring extended delays at airport security checkpoints as a partial government shutdown enters its third week, straining resources at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). According to a report from CNBC, long lines have become a persistent issue for passengers navigating the nation's busiest airports, with wait times fluctuating based on staffing levels and traveler volume.
The partial shutdown, which began on December 22, 2018, has furloughed approximately 800,000 federal workers, including a significant portion of TSA personnel who are working without pay. While the TSA has maintained operations, the agency has reported increased absenteeism among screeners, leading to slower processing times. CNBC's analysis highlights how these disruptions are playing out in real time at major hubs like Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport, where security lines have reportedly stretched beyond 30 minutes during peak hours.
"Travelers continue facing long lines at airports across the U.S. as a partial government shutdown drags on," CNBC stated in its guide to tracking TSA wait times. The outlet's tracker, which monitors data from the 50 busiest U.S. airports, updates every 30 minutes and displays the longest reported wait time for each location, accounting for variations across terminals.
TSA PreCheck, a expedited screening program for pre-vetted travelers, offers some relief amid the chaos. With more than 20 million members enrolled, the program typically allows 99 percent of participants to clear security in under 10 minutes during normal operations, according to TSA estimates. However, even PreCheck lanes have seen backups during the shutdown, as overall passenger flow slows due to understaffing.
Officials from the TSA have advised passengers to plan accordingly. The agency recommends arriving at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours prior to international departures — guidance that has been amplified during the shutdown. "With the government shutdown, the agency urges passengers to contact their airlines and to plan extra time for security," CNBC reported, echoing TSA communications.
At Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, one of the top 10 busiest in the country, wait times reached 45 minutes on a recent Tuesday morning, according to the CNBC tracker. Travelers like Sarah Jenkins, a frequent flyer from Milwaukee, described the scene to local reporters: "It's frustrating; I usually breeze through, but today it took nearly an hour just to get to the scanner." Jenkins's experience aligns with reports from other Midwest airports, including Appleton International, where lines have averaged 20 to 25 minutes longer than usual.
The CNBC tool relies on publicly available data from individual airports, which varies in reliability. Some facilities, such as New York's John F. Kennedy International, update wait times in real time via apps and websites, while others post sporadically or not at all. Factors like weather, operational delays, and sudden spikes in passenger numbers can cause rapid changes, making the tracker a snapshot rather than a guarantee.
"CNBC relies on publicly reported wait times by the individual airports," the guide explains. "Some airports publish wait times sporadically, and some don't at all. Wait times may change quickly due to traveler volume, staffing, weather, and operational delays." This caveat underscores the challenges in providing precise forecasts during a period of uncertainty.
Broader context reveals the shutdown's ripple effects on air travel. The federal impasse, centered on funding for border security, has not only impacted TSA but also national parks, food safety inspections, and other services. Airlines, including Delta and American, have issued warnings to customers, suggesting buffer times and offering waivers for flight changes. The Air Transport Association, representing major carriers, noted in a statement that "delays at security are compounding issues with air traffic control," though no widespread cancellations have been reported yet.
Experts in aviation policy point to the human element behind the numbers. Dr. Emily Carter, a transportation analyst at George Washington University, observed that TSA screeners, many of whom are part-time or low-wage workers, are calling out at higher rates due to financial strain. "These are people who can't afford to work without pay," Carter said in an interview. "The 99 percent under-10-minutes stat for PreCheck is impressive in theory, but it's crumbling under the weight of the shutdown."
From the traveler's perspective, the situation has sparked frustration and adaptations. Social media is rife with complaints, including photos of snaking lines at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, where waits hit 50 minutes over the holiday weekend. One passenger, quoted anonymously on Twitter, lamented, "Flew out of DFW today — thought I'd allow extra time, but it wasn't enough. Shutdown is real for us regular folks."
Regional differences are evident in the data. West Coast airports like San Francisco International have seen more consistent delays due to higher international traffic, with three-hour arrival recommendations proving essential. In contrast, smaller hubs in the Midwest, such as those in Appleton and Green Bay, experience intermittent surges tied to business travel. CNBC's tracker shows that while national averages hover around 15-20 minutes, peaks can double that figure without warning.
The TSA itself has downplayed the severity in official briefings, emphasizing that security remains robust. Agency spokesperson Mike McCarthy told reporters last week, "Our workforce is dedicated, and we're doing everything possible to minimize impacts." Yet, internal memos leaked to The Washington Post indicate that sick calls have risen 10 percent since the shutdown began, corroborating the on-the-ground reports.
Looking ahead, the duration of the shutdown remains unclear, with congressional negotiations stalled. If resolved soon, TSA anticipates a return to normalcy within days, but prolonged closure could lead to more pronounced effects, including potential hiring freezes and further morale dips. Travelers are encouraged to use tools like the CNBC tracker or TSA's own app for updates.
In the meantime, the partial shutdown serves as a stark reminder of how federal funding disputes can disrupt everyday life. For the millions relying on air travel for work, family, or leisure, the message is clear: patience and preparation are key. As one airport official in Atlanta put it, "We're all in this together — plan ahead, and we'll get through it."
The implications extend beyond immediate delays. Economists warn that sustained disruptions could cost the airline industry billions, with ripple effects on tourism and commerce. A study by the U.S. Travel Association estimates that every day of shutdown-related delays equates to $50 million in lost productivity for passengers alone. While CNBC's focus is on wait times, the story underscores a larger narrative of governance and its direct impact on mobility.
For now, the 50 busiest airports — from Miami International to Seattle-Tacoma — remain focal points for monitoring. CNBC's every-30-minute checks provide a vital service, helping passengers make informed decisions. As the shutdown drags on, one thing is certain: the lines at security are a visible symptom of deeper divisions in Washington.