Travelers across the country are experiencing long wait times at airports after a partial government resulted in Transportation Security Administration employees calling in — while others are working without pay.
While travelers could typically check wait times through the MyTSA mobile app, a notice now appears saying that “due to the lapse in federal funding, this website will not be actively managed.” The website was last updated on February 17 and will not be updated until after funding is enacted, the notice added.
TSA previously confirmed to USA TODAY via email that both the MyTSA mobile app and the agency’s wait‑time tracker are down because of the partial shutdown. That’s different from the last government shutdown that ran from October to November 2025, when TSA security wait times continued to update as usual, according to USA TODAY.
Here’s what to know about checking TSA wait times at an airport near you.
How to check TSA wait times
There are several ways to check TSA wait times, though some airports are not offering real-time updates.
How to check delays, cancellations
Passengers can also check if their flight has been delayed or canceled directly on their airline’s website using a flight number. Anyone wanting to check on overall delays can do so on FlightAware, which tracks arrival and departure times at U.S. airports.
Why are TSA lines so long?
Funding for the Department of Homeland Security lapsed on February 13 after Congress failed to reach a deal on immigration enforcement reforms demanded by Democrats. That halted operational funding for several government agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration, resulting in about 50,000 TSA airport security screeners working without pay.
As a result, the TSA callout rate is five times higher than normal and hundreds of other agents have quit, according to data released on March 23 by the House Appropriations Subcommittee.
Why aren’t TSA workers getting paid?
Thousands of TSA workers aren’t getting paid due to a lapse in funding after Congress failed to reach a deal on immigration enforcement reforms demanded by Democrats.
TSA PreCheck application: How long does it take?
Enrolling in TSA PreCheck involves filling out an online application and attending an in-person appointment, though travelers should be prepared to wait at least a week before getting approved, according to CBS News. It’s important to note that some airports may not be operating TSA PreCheck lines due to reduced staff, CBS reported.
USA TODAY contributed to this story.
Natassia Paloma may be reached at npaloma@gannett.com, @NatassiaPaloma on x; natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma Thompson on Facebook
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Why are TSA lines so long? How to check TSA wait times
Reporting by Natassia Paloma, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
