Tom Perumean/Houston Public Media
Crowds at United check-in kiosks at Houston’s Bush Intercontinental Airport on July 19, 2024.
Travelers at Houston’s airports are facing hourslong wait times to get through security checkpoints because of staffing shortages related to the shutdown of the federal government.
Airline passengers flying out of Bush Intercontinental Airport on Monday have estimated wait times of 3 hours to make it through TSA security lines, according to the Houston Airports System, which over the weekend closed the security checkpoints at three of the airport’s five terminals. The estimated wait time to get through security at Hobby Airport is one hour.
The delays are the result of a shortage of TSA workers, who are employees of the federal government and working without pay as the shutdown has entered its second month.
“We appreciate your patience and understanding as our (TSA) partners work to maintain the safety of all passengers,” the Houston Airports System wrote on its website.
Shutdown-related staffing shortages also have impacted air traffic controllers, leading to periodic ground stops recently at both Houston airports.
With extended wait times at security lines, departing airport travelers are encouraged to arrive earlier than usual. With the lines in Terminal C closed at Bush, the Houston Airports System says United Airlines passengers should check their bags at Terminal C and then go to Terminal E for security screening.