Airport Security Shutdown: Long Lines & Delays

0:00In Durham, it's March 19th, and here's what is going on. Airport security lines are turning into a daily gamble for travelers because of the government shutdown hitting transportation security administration. Workers, workers, with around 50,000 screeners going unpaid, many art showing up for shifts, making wait times impossible to predict across the country. Earlier this week, passengers at Houston's biggest airport face hours long delays Thursday morning, with submissing flights entirely. Meanwhile, Atlanta's massive Heartsfield Jackson saw mostly short to moderate waits on Wednesday, though one checkpoint shut down from low staff. Travelers are feeling the strain from this, the third shutdown impacting TSA since last fall. Financial pressures like gas and childcare costs are keeping workers home, and Homeland Security reports at least 366 agents have. Quit since February 14th. Experts recommend checking your airport's website or social media for real-time wait times and open checkpoints.

1:01Paid options like TSA pre-check, or clear can slash waits dramatically, often down to minutes even in chaos. That said, some spots like Houston's Terminal E have funneled everyone into single lines, regardless of status, leading to three hour or deals. If you're cutting it close, politely ask airline staff for help getting to your gate, though they're not obligated to bail you out. This episode is supported by our sponsor, see details in the description. Some chase piece, I put my head in it, S-O-L-I, solelypillow.com.