US travelers face second day of long security lines at some airports

TSA officer absences are causing multi-hour security lines at major airports, raising concerns for travelers as spring break peaks, amid a DHS funding lapse that left 50,000 screeners unpaid.

David Shepardson/Reuters

10 March 2026 at 09:02:50

FILE PHOTO: A Transportation Security Administration (TSA) gate at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, U.S., February 14, 2026.

Annabelle Gordon/Reuters

Rising absences by Transportation Security Administration security officers caused a second straight day of longer-than-normal security lines, sparking worries from airlines as the busy spring break travel period ramps up.

For instance, Houston Hobby Airport on Monday reported lines averaging 3 hours at 2 p.m. EDT at standard checkpoints.

Funding for the Department of Homeland Security lapsed on February 13 after Congress failed to reach a deal on immigration enforcement reforms demanded by Democrats. That halted operational funding for several government agencies, including the TSA, resulting in about 50,000 TSA airport security screeners working without pay.

-David Shepardson/Reuters

Rising absences among TSA officers have caused extended airport wait times, with some travelers facing 3-hour lines, as funding lapses leave tens of thousands of screeners working without pay.