Government shutdown impacts TSA, passengers

UPDATED: March 30, 2026 at 2:50 p.m.

TSA wait times may still be long despite pay announcement

Recent federal action is providing back pay to TSA officers, but the federal government shutdown remains ongoing, and TSA staffing levels continue to fluctuate.

As a result, security wait times at Bush and Hobby airports may still be longer than normal, depending on the day, time, and available TSA staffing.

Passenger volumes fluctuate during the week, which may affect wait times.

• Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are typically lighter
• Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays are busier

At IAH:

• TSA is operating in Terminals A and E
• TSA PreCheck and CLEAR are not available at this time.
  • Once TSA has sufficient lanes operating consistently, it will coordinate with Houston Airports to reopen PreCheck and CLEAR.

Flying United Airlines? Check bags at Terminal C and then proceed to Terminal E for TSA screening.

Flying from Terminal D? Check bags at Terminal D, then proceed to Terminal E for TSA screening.

CHECK NOW: TSA wait times at IAH

CHECK NOW: TSA wait times at HOU

Passengers should be prepared for extended wait times and plan accordingly for their scheduled departure.

Passengers needing additional assistance, including those traveling with children or requiring accessibility support, should contact their airline before entering the security screening line.

Houston Airports continues to encourage passengers to:

• Check TSA wait times before arriving
• Stay in contact with their airline
• Arrive early and allow extra time for security screening

Airport and airline teams remain on-site to assist passengers as TSA operations may change throughout the day.

We understand this has been a difficult experience since the federal shutdown began on Feb. 14, and we thank travelers for their patience, flexibility, and continued support.

Frequently Asked Questions

UPDATED: March 25, 2026 at 8:35 a.m.

Houston Airports answers common questions about TSA security screening during the government shutdown.

1. Why are TSA lines longer than normal?

The federal government shutdown, which began Feb. 14, affects TSA staffing and resources nationwide as TSA officers continue working without pay. Some security lanes may be closed or operating at reduced capacity, leading to longer screening times.

2. How are TSA wait times calculated?

Houston Airports is manually updating TSA wait time estimates based on observed passenger flow and the number of open screening lanes.

Wait times are estimates and may change throughout the day as TSA staffing levels and passenger volumes fluctuate. Houston Airports is working to provide the most accurate information possible to help travelers plan ahead.

3. What should I do before I leave home? A few simple steps can save time at the airport:

• Check your airline’s app for gate and departure updates
• Check estimated TSA wait times at fly2houston.com
• Reserve airport parking online when possible
• Pack liquids properly in carry-on
• Have your ID and boarding pass ready before reaching the checkpoint

4. Where can I get help inside the airport? Look for Houston Airports customer service representatives wearing bright orange polos. Our teams are available to help with:

• Directions and gate information
• Navigating the airport
• Accessibility assistance
• General travel questions

5. What should I do if I miss my flight?

Contact your airline directly. They may be able to rebook you on a later flight.

6. What is Houston Airports doing to help?

Houston Airports and its airline partners are working closely with TSA to monitor checkpoint capacity in real time, adjust passenger flow and provide on-site customer support.

Houston Airports employees and airline partners are assisting at checkpoints by performing non-regulated TSA functions, such as communicating the screening process to passengers as they approach the checkpoint and organizing screening bins after passengers clear the checkpoint.