There’s no such thing as getting to the airport too early amid the partial government shutdown, and that’s especially true this weekend.
TSA lines and wait times have increased at airports across the country due to Transportation Security Administration personnel shortages, and spring break isn’t helping.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport expects more than 3.7 million spring break travelers to pass through between Thursday, March 19 and Monday, March 23.
The world’s busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, is also expecting high volumes and is advising passengers to arrive at least three hours before scheduled flight departure.
Before you leave for the airport, here’s what you should know.
when to reach airport
Typically, travelers are advised to arrive two hours early for domestic flights and three hours early for international flights, but travelers should check their airport’s website for information about security lines and plan to leave extra time before their flight.
In the best case, you get through security quickly. Pack a book, phone charger or snack to tide you over until your flight.
In the worst case, you don’t give yourself enough time and miss your flight completely.
How to Check TSA Wait Time
TSA is not updating wait times on its MyTSA mobile app during the government shutdown, but some airports are updating wait times on their respective websites and social media.
Not all airports specify how early travelers should arrive, but airports like Newark Liberty International are advising travelers to “please allow additional travel time” due to long security waits.
What you owe if you miss your flight
Usually, airlines don’t have to pay you anything if you miss your flight for any reason within their control. However, some airlines may rebook you on the next available flight as a courtesy.
Of course, travelers can’t control how long it takes to get through security during the government shutdown, but they can control how quickly they get to the airport.
Airports may be closed
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in an interview on CNBC Thursday night that smaller airports could be forced to close if TSA staffing shortages persist, warning that that would become more likely in the next week as officers miss another paycheck.
Duffy said, “What’s happening right now will seem like child’s play. I believe you will see smaller airports closing. You will see extensive lines and air travel will be almost grid-locked, coming to a halt.”
It echoed a warning earlier this week from Acting Deputy TSA Administrator Adam Stahl, who similarly said that smaller airports could be forced to temporarily close if the partial government shutdown continues.
Why are TSA wait times so long?
Due to a funding shortfall at the Department of Homeland Security, TSA workers are not being paid during the partial government shutdown. During the previous government shutdown last fall, many federal employees had to take on extra work to make ends meet. Some people can no longer afford child care.
“Many TSA officers can’t pay their fare, buy food, or put gas in their cars — forcing them to call out sick to work,” the Department of Homeland Security posted on March 17. At Houston Hobby Airport, call-outs reached 55% over the weekend.
The same day, DHS noted that 366 TSA officers have left the force since the current shutdown began, suggesting long-term effects even after the shutdown ends. “This loss significantly reduces TSA’s ability to meet passenger demand and creates a severe staffing shortage, as each new hire requires 4-6 months of training,” the department posted.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Flying this weekend? TSA still isn’t getting paid, who knows?
Reporting by Eve Chen and Zach Wichter, USA TODAY/USA TODAY
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect