How to monitor airport security lines at US airports while TSA officers go without pay - AP News

AP News
March 18, 2026
3 min read

Quick Insights

The Bottom Line

Travelers can monitor TSA security line wait times through airport websites and the MyTSA app during the government funding lapse.

How This Affects You

TSA officers are working without pay; monitoring security line wait times before arriving at airports helps you avoid long delays caused by staffing strain.

AI Summary

The article provides guidance for travelers on tracking airport security wait times during a period when TSA officers are operating without pay. TSA PreCheck and regular security lanes typically have different processing speeds, and real-time wait-time data is available through airport websites and the MyTSA app. Extended wait times can create operational bottlenecks and potentially compromise security thoroughness when staffing is strained. Monitoring these conditions before arriving at the airport allows passengers to plan accordingly and choose optimal screening times. The Trump administration's federal government funding dispute has left TSA officers working without compensation, making operational efficiency and public communication about delays critical to airport operations.

What's Being Done

Real-time wait-time data is available through airport websites and the MyTSA app for TSA PreCheck and regular security lanes.

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