Earlier this week, social media posts and travel headlines revolved around hours-long lines at major US airports. Following a partial government shutdown that includes DHS, TSA staff are once again facing long days on the clock without pay.
Videos by TravelAwaits
The funding lapse quickly saw hundreds of TSA officers quit. The partial shutdown started weeks ago on February 14, when DHS funding lapsed due to a locked Congress. On February 22, 2026, Global Entry was suspended due to staffing shortages. However, TSA PreCheck continues to run.
Since then, spring break travel has steadily ramped up, leading to hours-long delays at security lines nationwide.
The bad news: The partial government shutdown is ongoing, and it doesn’t look close to a resolution.
The good news: DHS just re-opened Global Entry, which should relieve some of the long lines travelers are facing.
Here’s what you need to know about the current state of security lines at US airports as another government shutdown leaves TSA employees without pay.
DHS reopened Global Entry—what are security lines like in the US right now?
Based on social media posts and on-the-ground reporting, US airports like Houston, New Orleans, and Atlanta have been hit the hardest by TSA staffing shortages. Staffing shortages are due to TSA employees either seeking out other forms of pay until the shutdown ends or simply taking off.
Lines have reached up to five hours long, in some cases. The current length of security lines is heavily exacerbated by spring break travel, meaning airports that are further south and located near spring break hubs are likely to be hit hardest.
To help offset long waits, DHS re-opened Global Entry lines early on March 11. TSA PreCheck has been operational throughout the shutdown, but, according to a statement from DHS, the TSA could still adjust operations as necessary. However, with Global Entry live again, it looks unlikely that TSA PreCheck would suddenly be suspended.
Importantly, however, the reopening of Global Entry and the ongoing availability of TSA PreCheck won’t affect the longest lines at airports. Hours-long delays are still expected for regular travelers who go into the main TSA security line, meaning you should still plan to arrive three to four hours before your flight.
