Travelers wait in line to get through security at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Friday, Jan. 23, 2026.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman
Travelers at major Texas airports are facing long TSA wait times as a partial government shutdown overlaps with spring break travel.
Airports across the state — including Austin, Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth — have warned of extended security lines, with some travelers reporting waits of several hours.
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The disruptions stem from a lapse in Department of Homeland Security funding in mid-February, which has left Transportation Security Administration employees unpaid for weeks. Staffing shortages have worsened as workers call out or leave their jobs.
Here’s how to check TSA wait times at major Texas airports.
Austin airport TSA wait times
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) has warned of “high passenger volume days” from March 13 through April 6.
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Airport officials recommend arriving at least 2½ to 3 hours before departure.
Travelers can check AUS’ X (formerly Twitter) account for daily updates, including expected passenger volume, peak travel times and TSA checkpoint conditions. Flyers can also check estimated current wait times by downloading the MyTSA app.
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Houston Bush airport (IAH) TSA wait times
At George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), wait times have exceeded four hours in some cases.
Officials say staffing shortages have led to checkpoint closures at some terminals, including impacts to TSA PreCheck and CLEAR lanes. Travelers have also been warned that missed flights are possible.
Passengers should check IAH’s X account for real-time updates on TSA wait times and checkpoint closures.
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Houston Hobby airport TSA wait times
Wait times at William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) have recently improved following peak spring break travel.
On March 14, Department of Homeland Security data showed the airport had the highest TSA absence rate in the country, with 55% of agents calling out.
Travelers can check Hobby Airport’s website for live TSA wait times before heading to the airport.
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Dallas-Fort Worth airport (DFW) TSA wait times
Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) has not seen the same extreme delays, but security lines remain longer than usual.
CBS News reported wait times of nearly 50 minutes on March 22, with some travelers saying it took up to three to four hours to get through security.
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DFW’s website offers a live map showing wait times for standard, TSA PreCheck and priority security lanes at each checkpoint.
— Houston Chronicle staff contributed to this report.