Tips to avoid long TSA lines as staffing shortages stretch waits

Mass callouts of TSA agents have left travelers facing security lines as long as three hours at some airports, with Houston Hobby's general queue reportedly snaking into a parking garage. Shortages at Houston and New Orleans joined warnings from San Juan, Atlanta, and Charlotte that passengers should budget extra time; wait estimates were under 30 minutes on Thursday but could change with little notice as spring-break travel picks up.

Many agents have been deemed essential and required to work without pay, and they are expected to receive their first $0 paycheck this weekend, increasing the likelihood of further callouts. Travel analyst Henry Harteveldt said the disruption so far is localized where mass callouts hit peak travel, but he warned it could spread if officers continue working without pay.

The US Travel Association expects a record 171 million people to fly in March and April, while most other airports remain largely normal, with some major hubs reporting waits of 20 minutes or less. Plan for delays.

United States, Houston, New Orleans, San Juan, Atlanta, Charlotte

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