Are travelers facing delays at airports due to TSA PreCheck?
Yes, travelers are encountering unusually long airport security lines, with some major airports reporting wait times exceeding an hour during peak periods. This situation is exacerbated by a partial federal government shutdown that has impacted TSA staffing levels.
As of March 10, 2026, travelers are facing TSA lines of up to nearly 3 hours long at some major airports, causing missed flights and massive delays. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has indicated that approximately 50,000 TSA officers are continuing to work without regular pay due to the shutdown.
Despite these challenges, TSA PreCheck remains operational, allowing enrolled travelers to use dedicated lanes that significantly reduce wait times. During busy travel periods, TSA PreCheck wait times can be as short as 10 to 15 minutes, compared to the longer lines faced by standard travelers.
However, Global Entry services are currently suspended during the government shutdown, which affects international travelers who rely on expedited processing through customs.
Travelers are encouraged to check real-time TSA line wait times using the MyTSA mobile app and the TSA website. Some airports also publish their own checkpoint wait times on official websites or social media platforms.
In light of the current situation, travelers are advised to arrive at the airport three to four hours before their scheduled departure to avoid missing flights. This recommendation is particularly crucial given the unpredictable nature of wait times.
Brian Kelly, a travel expert, noted, “I want to warn people it’s not every airport that is horrible, but some are worse than others.” This highlights the variability in airport experiences during the shutdown.
While TSA PreCheck enrollment costs $85 and is valid for five years, CLEAR+ membership, which offers an additional layer of expedited security, costs $209 per year, with children 17 and under added for free.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact duration of the government shutdown and how it may further impact TSA staffing levels as the situation develops.
As travelers navigate these challenges, the importance of programs like TSA PreCheck becomes increasingly evident, providing a more efficient travel experience even amidst broader operational disruptions.