WATCH: Long security lines amid TSA staffing shortages, partial government shutdown

ABC News
March 10, 2026
8 views
2 min read

Quick Insights

The Bottom Line

Travelers face long security lines due to TSA staffing shortages caused by a partial government shutdown.

How This Affects You

If you plan to fly, expect longer wait times at airport security checkpoints due to TSA staffing issues.

AI Summary

Travelers nationwide are experiencing extended wait times at airport security checkpoints. This is attributed to a staffing shortage within the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The shortage is directly linked to the ongoing partial government shutdown. The increased wait times coincide with the spring break travel period, impacting passenger flow. This situation highlights the operational challenges faced by federal agencies during funding impasses.

What's Being Done

Still monitoring this story for developments.

Source Coverage Map

6 of 43 tracked sources covered this story

14% coverage
Did Not Cover (37)
ICIJ97AP World News96AP US News96AP Top News96ProPublica95+32 more

Following this story?

Get notified when new coverage appears

Should this be getting more attention?

You Might Have Missed

Related stories from different sources and perspectives

Long lines, unpaid TSA workers: Experts say US air travel system in crisis
Government Transparency

Long lines, unpaid TSA workers: Experts say US air travel system in crisis

TSA workers face unpaid wages, causing long lines and staffing shortages at key US airports during shutdown chaos.

Al JazeeraMar 24
Where will TSA lines be the longest tomorrow? During a shutdown, nobody knows - AP News
Government Transparency

Where will TSA lines be the longest tomorrow? During a shutdown, nobody knows - AP News

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiogFBVV95cUxQS3FIUnl0enJhYUNVNDBoVUVjWDV5MVlpTzBzR1NGeFpmdjBXX2tGbDZzcjZlcVRkaHh0NGxjZVlkcThiUkpsTm9Vd25rVDlzcE1xUmhTalViVGNaQldjUjR2TnFBUGpKSnVYemNKdUJKTzg5RzdjMThIQU5HVTVwcUJGdXlDc1RYSzhqX3BCSVRTbGZkdjlTTkpkeG93NDZ2Znc?oc=5" target="_blank">Where will TSA lines be the longest tomorrow? During a shutdown, nobody knows</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>

AP NewsMar 19
Fuel spikes, flight delays and storms threaten US spring break travel
Corporate

Fuel spikes, flight delays and storms threaten US spring break travel

<p>Record 171 million passengers are expected to fly this spring, even as TSA funding lapse risks longer airport lines</p><p>Spring breakers in the US could see their long-awaited trips to party destinations disrupted by a trifecta of issues: airport security delays, high <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/gas">gas</a> prices, and chaotic weather.</p><p>The potential for flight delays comes as US airlines expect that they will see a record-shattering spring travel season. Airlines for America, an aviation industry group, <a href="https://www.airlines.org/news-update/u-s-airlines-prepare-for-record-number-of-passengers-this-spring-amid-government-shutdown/">said </a>that 171 million passengers are expected to fly – a 4% increase from the 2025 spring travel period.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/20/spring-break-flights-travel-iran-war">Continue reading...</a>

The Guardian US NewsMar 20
Calls grow to fund TSA as travelers' frustration grows
Government Transparency

Calls grow to fund TSA as travelers' frustration grows

Fliers were greeted with another day of long lines as TSA officers continue to work without receiving their pay. Skyler Henry spoke to travelers in Atlanta.

CBS NewsMar 19
TSA official: Airport security problem ‘going to get worse before it gets better’
Government Transparency

TSA official: Airport security problem ‘going to get worse before it gets better’

A senior Transportation Security Administration (TSA) official warned Thursday that the growing backlog at airport security checkpoints nationwide is likely “going to get worse before it gets better” as staffing becomes more strained as a result of the lingering Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown. Acting Deputy TSA Administrator Adam Stahl told NewsNation host Blake…

The HillMar 19
Bill to fund Homeland Security fails again as concern grows about airport lines - AP News
Government Transparency

Bill to fund Homeland Security fails again as concern grows about airport lines - AP News

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMipAFBVV95cUxOTmJFdURWaEh1Z1ZTdjJXM0pvNklybm5JS3pJNHBBdTdzUE9UQmJTSDR4U1h0czl2ZXlUSTVuVzlkWjZEV1o1T1V1TFF4Wkx5NHNwbVJiWWpCNUdrV3BPV2RKUDRpRUNzODFsVnBaVy1TTUk2cTBJQlhWY1dIeFhYS04wanpWWW5tTVhvREplY05qT21mUmtEand0N0tKSG8xclItMQ?oc=5" target="_blank">Bill to fund Homeland Security fails again as concern grows about airport lines</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>

AP NewsMar 20
Read Next
Pentagon Wants It to Be Illegal for Reporters to Ask “Unauthorized” Questions
Government Transparency

Pentagon Wants It to Be Illegal for Reporters to Ask “Unauthorized” Questions

The Trump admin wants to criminalize a key part of journalists doing their jobs — a broadside attack on a free press. The post Pentagon Wants It to Be Illegal for Reporters to Ask “Unauthorized” Questions appeared first on The Intercept .

Continue reading

Did this story change how you see things?

Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.

Share this story

Get the daily digest

Save for later

The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.

See our sources