Long lines reported at major US airports as more TSA officers quit - Reuters

Reuters
March 25, 2026
2 min read

Quick Insights

The Bottom Line

Increasing TSA officer resignations are causing extended security wait times at major U.S. airports.

How This Affects You

Travelers face longer airport security delays, risking missed flights and schedule disruptions, particularly during peak travel periods.

AI Summary

TSA officers are quitting in increasing numbers, causing extended wait times at major U.S. airports. The departures appear linked to staffing pressures and working conditions within the Transportation Security Administration. Longer security lines threaten to create bottlenecks during peak travel periods and could frustrate passengers already dealing with crowded airports. TSA staffing shortages have been a recurring challenge for the agency, which must balance security screening duties with employee retention. The trend underscores broader labor challenges across federal agencies competing for workers in a tight job market.

Source Coverage Map

13 of 43 tracked sources covered this story

Overlooked Story
30% coverage
Did Not Cover (30)
ICIJ97AP World News96AP News96AP US News96AP Top News96+25 more

Following this story?

Get notified when new coverage appears

Should this be getting more attention?

You Might Have Missed

Related stories from different sources and perspectives

Over a third of TSA officers called out at 3 major airports Tuesday amid partial shutdown
Government Transparency

Over a third of TSA officers called out at 3 major airports Tuesday amid partial shutdown

Travelers continue to face long lines at airports with no end to the partial government shutdown in sight. Atlanta was one of three major U.S. airports on Tuesday where more than one-third of TSA officers called out of work. In Philadelphia, flyers found three of six TSA checkpoints closed on Wednesday. Skyler Henry reports.

CBS NewsMar 19
Long lines, unpaid TSA workers: Experts say US air travel system in crisis
Government Transparency

Long lines, unpaid TSA workers: Experts say US air travel system in crisis

TSA workers face unpaid wages, causing long lines and staffing shortages at key US airports during shutdown chaos.

Al JazeeraMar 24
Where will TSA lines be the longest tomorrow? During a shutdown, nobody knows - AP News
Government Transparency

Where will TSA lines be the longest tomorrow? During a shutdown, nobody knows - AP News

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiogFBVV95cUxQS3FIUnl0enJhYUNVNDBoVUVjWDV5MVlpTzBzR1NGeFpmdjBXX2tGbDZzcjZlcVRkaHh0NGxjZVlkcThiUkpsTm9Vd25rVDlzcE1xUmhTalViVGNaQldjUjR2TnFBUGpKSnVYemNKdUJKTzg5RzdjMThIQU5HVTVwcUJGdXlDc1RYSzhqX3BCSVRTbGZkdjlTTkpkeG93NDZ2Znc?oc=5" target="_blank">Where will TSA lines be the longest tomorrow? During a shutdown, nobody knows</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>

AP NewsMar 19
US official warns small airports could soon shut down over TSA absences - Reuters
Government Transparency

US official warns small airports could soon shut down over TSA absences - Reuters

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMitwFBVV95cUxNb2FCNzlvSWZ1RVZYd1Z3UVVlaHFrbXQ2VEYwRlJ1bTA0R2JpV0JqNVNzazNBVl9pYVAyU0tCWkdvdTQwRUtVMkpKaDZCeHpSNFBiQTRFbWF5OGRHU1VCYy1Jak9fVk5CcUNneE1PdDZUV1RqeXdhWVlNc1ZIX0xoOGoyWnExNkMycUtTUE1tZjZxdl82LUJXV1dHQ0J0d3lzWkhSM18yN0ktWkczVnpCVEVPOHZHTDg?oc=5" target="_blank">US official warns small airports could soon shut down over TSA absences</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>

ReutersMar 19
Hegseth: Military chaplains will no longer display rank
Government Transparency

Hegseth: Military chaplains will no longer display rank

U.S. military chaplains will no longer wear their rank insignia, instead displaying insignia that reflects their religious affiliation, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced as part of two major changes to the group.  In a memo signed Tuesday and announced in a video message, Hegseth said chaplains will retain their rank as officers, but it will not…

The HillMar 25
Bill to fund Homeland Security fails again as concern grows about airport lines - AP News
Government Transparency

Bill to fund Homeland Security fails again as concern grows about airport lines - AP News

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMipAFBVV95cUxOTmJFdURWaEh1Z1ZTdjJXM0pvNklybm5JS3pJNHBBdTdzUE9UQmJTSDR4U1h0czl2ZXlUSTVuVzlkWjZEV1o1T1V1TFF4Wkx5NHNwbVJiWWpCNUdrV3BPV2RKUDRpRUNzODFsVnBaVy1TTUk2cTBJQlhWY1dIeFhYS04wanpWWW5tTVhvREplY05qT21mUmtEand0N0tKSG8xclItMQ?oc=5" target="_blank">Bill to fund Homeland Security fails again as concern grows about airport lines</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>

AP NewsMar 20
Read Next
Your data is everywhere. The government is buying it without a warrant
Government Transparency

Your data is everywhere. The government is buying it without a warrant

Data brokers buy up huge amounts of information from cell phones and browsers to sell for targeted advertising. But the government, including ICE, also buys the data.

Continue reading

Did this story change how you see things?

Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.

Share this story

Get the daily digest

Save for later

The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.

See our sources