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TSA wait times worsen as agents go unpaid
TSA staffing shortages are worsening nationwide as agents miss paychecks due to a congressional funding stalemate. FOX 4's Alex Boyer has more on the wait times at local Dallas-Fort Worth airports.
DALLAS - The two big airports in North Texas were seeing average wait times on Wednesday. But that could change as TSA agents continue to go without pay.
TSA Staffing Shortages
What we know:
Tens of thousands of TSA agents have been working without pay since Feb. 14 because of a congressional impasse over Department of Homeland Security funding. They missed their first full paycheck last week.
Since then, some 300 TSA officers have quit, and sick calls have doubled over the past month. According to leaders at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, about 34% of TSA workers called out sick on Tuesday.
TSA wait times: Airline CEOs blast Congress; ‘simply unacceptable’
As some travelers are waiting for 2, 3, and even up to 4 hours in TSA security lines, airline industry leaders are pressing lawmakers to make some changes.
Local perspective:
At DFW Airport and Dallas Love Field, the average wait times at TSA checkpoints was under 20 minutes. But several travelers said they were caught up in long wait lines elsewhere.
"I was headed to Puerto Rico and unfortunately, I missed my flight because of the lines down there. I’m glad to see the lines are shorter here and not too much of a hassle," said Ayomikun Sangolana.
"I almost missed my flight going to Denver for spring break because of the TSA lines," added Bomi Adeleke.
TSA security lines: Why some airports are moving passengers through faster
As the shutdown continues, some airports are moving passengers through security faster, while others are seeing hourslong security lines. Here’s a look at one of the reasons why - privatization.
Why you should care:
Experts believe the problem could get a lot worse before it gets better, especially at smaller airports.
"As the weeks continue, if this continues, it’s not hyperbole to suggest we might have to shut down airports," said TSA Chief of Staff Adam Stahl.
Travel expert Katy Nastro with the Going Travel app said it’s tough on travelers as well as the TSA agents.
"Historically, the longer any type of shutdown lasts, the bigger the impacts that we can see on air travel," she said. "And so, if you have spring break coming up in the next week, the next two weeks, you still are at risk because we just don’t have any clear answers as to when this partial shutdown will finally be finished."
She recommended that people check out their airport’s social media channels and website on the day of their flight. Most airports provide live, up-to-date information on TSA wait times and checkpoint closures.
The other side:
During his confirmation hearing on Wednesday, DHS Secretary nominee Markwayne Mullins defended TSA agents.
"They’re still showing up every single day to do their jobs and we should all be trying to fund it," he said.
But Congress remains in a stalemate with Democrats unwilling to pass any bill that includes funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Republicans refusing to budge on any proposal without it.
How to check TSA wait times
Travelers can check wait times by visiting the links below, by checking on the MY TSA App or visiting your airport's website. However, officials warn that the times are estimates and actual security lines may be longer than shown.
- Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW)
- Houston George Bush Intercontinental (IAH)
- Austin-Bergstrom International (AUS)
- Dallas Love Field (DAL)
- Houston Hobby (HOU)
- San Antonio International (SAT)
- El Paso International (ELP)
- Amarillo (AMA)
- Midland International (MAF)
- McAllen International
- Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport (LBB)
TSA provides data to check airport security wait times through the My TSA app. Click here to download it.
How to check for flight delays
Travelers can check for flight delays by going to the airport's website. We have provided a few below.
- Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW)
- Houston George Bush Intercontinental (IAH)
- Austin-Bergstrom International (AUS)
- Dallas Love Field (DAL)
- Houston Hobby (HOU)
- San Antonio International (SAT)
- El Paso International (ELP)
- Amarillo (AMA)
- Midland International (MAF)
- McAllen International
- Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport (LBB)
The Source: The information in this story comes from travel experts, DHS Secretary nominee Markwayne Mullins, and airport websites.