Travelers flying out of major US airports, including New York City-area hubs, are facing extended wait times at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints. The delays are attributed to a combination of high passenger volume and persistent staffing challenges within the agency.
According to TSA data and recent travel advisories, airports like Newark Liberty International (EWR), John F. Kennedy International (JFK), and LaGuardia (LGA) have reported peak wait times exceeding 60 minutes at security screening areas. The agency has acknowledged the strain, citing a surge in air travel demand that has outpaced its current staffing levels in certain locations.
While the source article referenced a federal government shutdown, no such shutdown is currently in effect as of March 2026. The current delays are part of a longer-term issue of recruitment and retention for TSA officers, a problem highlighted in recent congressional hearings and agency reports. Travelers are advised to arrive at airports at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours for international travel to account for potential security delays.
