Spring Break Travel: Airport Delays
Spring break travelers, beware: the U.S. government shutdown has caused TSA staffing shortages and security line delays at major airports [https://eu.northjersey.com/story/news/2026/03/12/tsa-wait-times-tsa-lines-government-shutdown-2026-tsa-shutdown-newark-wait-times-lga-jfk-ewr/89119062007]. TSA agents are working without pay, leading to low morale and potential security risks [https://foxnews.com/travel/airport-security-strain-shutdown-grows-unpaid-tsa-officers-warn-were-hurting]. Expect wait times over an hour at JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark.
The TSA is urging travelers to arrive at least 3 hours before their scheduled flights to accommodate the longer wait times. Some security lanes and checkpoints may be closed due to staffing shortages, further bottlenecking the screening process. The union representing TSA officers has warned that the situation could worsen if the government shutdown continues. Many officers are reportedly calling out sick or quitting due to the financial strain of working without pay. Newark Airport (EWR) is particularly affected, with some passengers reporting waits exceeding 90 minutes. Similar delays are anticipated at other major hubs across the country as the spring break travel season picks up.
