Travelers are facing the longest TSA wait times in history

March 25, 2026

The Transportation Security Administration is experiencing the most significant delays in its 24-year operational history, with wait times at major airports reaching unprecedented levels due to the ongoing partial government shutdown.

TSA Deputy Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill testified before the House Homeland Security Committee on Wednesday, reporting that security checkpoint wait times have surpassed four hours at several major airports. The agency is facing severe staffing challenges, with employee absenteeism rates reaching 40% to 50% at the most affected airports.

The financial impact on TSA operations has been substantial. McNeill noted that if the partial government shutdown extends through Friday, the agency will have missed nearly $1 billion in employee paychecks since the closure began.

"This level of disruption is unprecedented, and unacceptable, and significantly undermines the security of U.S. transportation systems," McNeill stated during her testimony.

Financial Hardship Driving Workforce Crisis

The deputy administrator detailed the severe financial hardships facing TSA employees during the shutdown. Many workers are struggling to pay essential bills, resulting in utility service disconnections and eviction notices. Some employees have resorted to sleeping in their vehicles or selling blood and plasma to generate income.

Since the shutdown commenced, more than 480 TSA employees have resigned from their positions, according to McNeill's testimony.

"Paying these dedicated employees for the work they are performing should never be a point of debate," she emphasized.

Security Concerns and Operational Challenges

The agency has documented a 500% increase in assaults against TSA officers since the shutdown began. McNeill confirmed that legal action will be pursued in all such incidents.

To address staffing shortages, the administration has deployed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to major airports. McNeill expressed gratitude for this support, noting it has allowed "TSA officers to focus on carrying out critical security screening duties during this challenging time for our agency."

Future Implications

The staffing crisis may force TSA to temporarily close smaller airports due to inadequate personnel. McNeill expressed concern about the agency's ability to retain experienced officers and attract new talent during the uncertainty.

The training timeline for new TSA officers presents additional challenges, requiring four to six months before personnel can work security checkpoints independently. This extended preparation period means newly hired staff would not be operational in time for the FIFA World Cup matches scheduled to begin in Los Angeles this June.

McNeill concluded her testimony with an appeal to travelers: "To the traveling public, we ask for your patience and understanding as our officers are working their hardest to ensure you can travel safely, all the while not getting paid."