- Flight Disruptions
- TSA pay lapse triggers widespread U.S. airport screening delays
TSA pay lapse triggers widespread U.S. airport screening delays
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By Alice Mariscotti-Wyatt
Last updated on 18 March 2026
Disruption overview
A lapse in DHS funding starting 14 February led TSA officers to work without pay, fueling rising absences, resignations, and long security lines. Airports including Houston Hobby, JFK, New Orleans, Atlanta, Orlando, Miami, and Tweed New Haven reported significant checkpoint delays, with some waits over three hours. TSA adjusted operations by consolidating lanes and briefly suspending programs before reversing. Airlines urged Congress to restore DHS funding, warning of ongoing disruption at checkpoints during the spring break travel peak.
Disruption details
A partial Department of Homeland Security shutdown that began on 14 February 2026 has caused a nationwide TSA pay shortfall, leading to widespread airport screening delays during the spring travel peak. TSA officers, designated as essential staff, continued working without full pay, culminating in a first missed full paycheck on 14 March.
Unpaid work and financial strain drove a marked increase in unscheduled absences: from a typical ~2% baseline to around 6% during the shutdown, peaking at 9% on 23 February, 8% on 6 March, and 7% on 9 March. Workforce attrition compounded the issue, with more than 300 TSA officers resigning between 14 February and 9 March. Operational risk hotspots were noted where shortages threatened screening capacity, including 44 in Houston, 35 in New Orleans, and 32 in Atlanta, totaling 87 nationwide on 8 March.
Major U.S. airports reported long checkpoint lines and significant wait times. Houston Hobby recorded waits exceeding three hours, with similar delays at Orlando International (MCO), Miami International (MIA), and other Florida airports. New York JFK, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, Hartsfield–Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, and Tweed New Haven Airport also experienced lengthy queues, with some locations advising travelers to arrive four to five hours before departure. In Atlanta, thunderstorms caused a separate spike in airline delays and cancellations; even after flight operations stabilized, TSA waits remained elevated, with PreCheck lines up to 45 minutes and main checkpoints often exceeding one hour.
In response to staffing pressure, TSA managers consolidated screening lanes, paused updates to TSA wait-time apps, and temporarily suspended Global Entry and PreCheck before reversing that action later the same day. Food and gift card drives emerged at some airports to support unpaid TSA staff.
Airline leaders from multiple carriers publicly urged Congress to fund DHS to ensure pay for federal aviation workers, citing the risk that persistent checkpoint instability could lead to further flight delays, cancellations, and potential operational impacts at smaller airports.
Based on currently available information, the disruption remains ongoing and is characterized primarily by delays related to TSA checkpoint capacity and staffing constraints.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights
When your flight's disrupted, you have rights. Most passenger protection laws cover the following:
Compensation
Good passenger rights ensure passengers get fairly compensated for delays and cancellations. Try our compensation check and find out how much money we can get you.
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. Some laws say you can choose a full refund instead.
Food and essential care
Providing food and drinks is a basic right under many regulations. Typically after a delay of a few hours.
Accommodation
Some passenger rights say the airline must provide accommodation when your journey is delayed overnight.
This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to check-in and boarding times.
Quick facts
Summary
Disruption
Delay
Cause
Other
Status
Current disruption
Compensation
Not eligible for compensation
Airports affected
John F. Kennedy International Airport, Orlando International Airport, Miami International Airport
Start date
2026-02-14
Checked by
Alice Mariscotti-Wyatt
Date updated
18 March 2026
What to do if your flight is delayed, canceled, or overbooked
If you're traveling to, from, or within the European Union, here's what you should do when you experience a disruption.
Collect proof that your flight was canceled, e.g. boarding pass, vouchers and any other travel documents.
Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the cancellation and reasons behind it.
Request an alternate flight to your destination - or a refund.
Make a note of the arrival time at your destination.
Ask the airline to pay for your meals and refreshments.
Don't sign anything or accept any offers that may waive your rights.
Get the airline to provide you with a hotel room, if needed.
Keep your receipts if your canceled flight ends up costing you extra money.
