Airports aren’t very fun places to be right now.
At many airports, in particular warmer climate locations in the U.S. like Florida, a perfect storm has formed. With spring break underway for college students and families with younger children in school, getting in and out of airports is challenging under normal circumstances.
In Southwest Florida it’s the peak of the winter season with tourists coming to Naples and Fort Myers in droves. The region is a popular Major League Baseball spring training destination with Fort Myers the home of two spring training teams − the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins. The two team still have another week of games before heading north.
March is also traditionally the month when the most passengers travel to and from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW). In 2025 the March passenger count was 1,463,628.
But 2026 has brought with it a different airport stress. A partial government shutdown is affecting Transportation Security Administration funding. As it drags on, TSA officers have been calling out of work at high rates after missing their first full paycheck.
Photos: RSW’s busiest month of the year for travelers
At my airports, especially in bigger cities, the TSA workforce issues have caused long lines resulting in next-level frustration and stress for thousands of travelers.
Daily scans of social media show numerous posts from people asking about TSA lines at RSW. An unofficial assessment from what people are saying is things “aren’t that bad” at RSW compared to what’s going on at major airports.
Many comments are focused on the TSA, the agents at security checkpoints, and showing appreciation for their efforts at RSW despite not getting paid. There are also reminders that TSA has an app where travelers can check on wait times − when it is working. Some people indicated the app was not functioning. A red banner across the top of the web page for the TSA app says “Due to the lapse in federal funding, this website will not be actively managed.”
Parking is an other stress point
Another issue this time of year at RSW is parking.
RSW made two posts on its social media platforms last week saying that short-term parking lots were near full or full. There haven’t been similar announcements this week.
Helpful traveling tips provided by RSW
For more airport information, please visit flylcpa.com or facebook.com/flyRSW.
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This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: TSA wait times tests ‘pack your patience’ slogan at Florida airports
Reporting by Mark H. Bickel, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News / Fort Myers News-Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
