Airport Lines: Arrive Late, Not Early

0:00It's March 27th. This is Global News Today, powered by AI, Your World. In real time, I'm Corey with The Story. Travelers heading to airports are getting mixed signals amid long security lines caused by the government shutdown hitting TSA staffing hard. At some spots like Houston's George Bush Intercontinental, waits stretched to 4 hours, prompting folks to show up 3 or 4 hours early, everywhere. But now airports with shorter lines are pushing back, urging passengers to ease up on the early arrivals. Take John Glenn International in Columbus, Ohio. Officials there posted on social media that arriving too soon is actually jamming up checkpoints when they first open. They even shared a chart recommending just 90 minutes before departure to keep things flowing for all. Passengers feel confused because it's tough to know which airports will face the worst snarls next. Many are overreacting like during the early COVID panic buying days, flooding terminals and creating unnecessary crowds, even where waits match normal, times.

1:05Airlines are stepping in with the same advice. Always check real-time TSA wait times on your phone before heading out. That way you avoid showing up way too early and adding to the mess. As the shutdown drags on, expect more of these messages from calmer airports helping everyone navigate the chaos without turning manageable spots into gridlock.