What happens if you miss a flight due to long airport lines?

The Hill
by Andrew Dorn
March 26, 2026
2 min read

Quick Insights

The Bottom Line

Airlines are developing policies to accommodate passengers who miss flights due to TSA security checkpoint delays.

How This Affects You

If you miss a flight due to TSA delays, airline compensation depends on carrier policy—some rebook without penalty while others charge standard change fees.

AI Summary

Airlines are developing policies to accommodate passengers who miss flights due to delays at TSA security checkpoints. Extended wait times at airport security have become increasingly common, leaving travelers stranded and forcing carriers to decide whether to rebook passengers without penalty or charge standard change fees. The issue highlights friction between airport security operations and airline schedules, with passengers caught in the middle. How airlines respond—whether through flexibility or strict rebooking policies—varies by carrier and can significantly affect a traveler's out-of-pocket costs and ability to reach their destination.

What's Being Done

Airlines are developing individual rebooking and compensation policies to address passenger disruptions from extended TSA wait times.

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