Houston airports expect 2.2 million spring break travelers as officials warn a government shutdown could impact TSA wait times.
HOUSTON — Houston airports are preparing for one of their busiest travel periods of the year as spring break gets underway. Officials warn the rush could be complicated by the ongoing partial government shutdown, which may affect TSA wait times.
Airport leaders say millions of passengers are expected to pass through Houston’s airports over the next several days, and travelers should plan ahead before heading to the airport.
Houston airports expecting millions of spring break travelers
Houston airports are expecting a total of 2.2 million spring break travelers over the next 10 days.
Officials say Friday is one of the busiest departure days of the travel period, with about 184,000 passengers expected to fly out of Houston airports.
Passenger volume is expected to stay high throughout the travel period.
Airport officials say they expect about 185,000 passengers to depart on Sunday and again next Thursday.
Another major surge is expected next Sunday, when roughly 184,000 passengers are projected to arrive back into Houston airports.
Shutdown could impact TSA wait times
Airport officials are advising travelers to arrive early, warning the partial government shutdown could increase wait times at TSA checkpoints.
The busy travel period also coincides with several major events in the region.
Those include RodeoHouston, the World Baseball Classic and expanded cruise departures from the Port of Galveston.
Airport industry leaders say the shutdown is creating concerns about staffing at airport security checkpoints.
Todd Hauptli, president and CEO of the American Association of Airport Executives, urged lawmakers to resolve the issue quickly.
“We’re in the spring break travel season and the summer is just around the corner,” he said. “We call on Congress to reopen the Department of Homeland Security immediately and pass legislation to protect the paychecks of these hardworking federal employees whose mission it is to keep us safe.”
During past shutdowns, aviation leaders say more TSA officers stayed home from work after missing paychecks.
Industry officials worry that could happen again as travel demand increases heading into spring and summer.
Jeff Freeman with the U.S. Travel Association said the situation is unfair to workers and could impact the aviation industry.
“They’re showing up, they’re doing their job, and they’re not getting paid. It’s not just unfair, it’s reckless,” he said. “You can’t run an industry with $3 trillion in economic impact on IOUs. You can’t ask essential workers to protect America’s skies while Washington argues over their paychecks.”
Travelers urged to plan ahead
Airport officials say travelers should check with their airlines before arriving.
Some airlines have relocated check-in operations from Terminal D to Terminal E at George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
Passengers are advised to watch for updated signage and allow extra time for check-in and security screening.
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