Passengers at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson airport have encountered TSA security waits up to three hours as a partial government shutdown that began Feb. 14 reduces staffing during the spring-break surge. TSA recommends allowing at least two hours for domestic flights and four hours for international screenings. More than 300 TSA employees have resigned and callout rates are at record highs. Officials say ICE agents may assist with non-specialized tasks, and some airports are soliciting gift-card donations to support unpaid federal workers.
Three-Hour TSA Lines Snarl Atlanta Airport as Government Shutdown Continues During Spring Break
Long lines at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on March 22, 2026Credit: Megan Varner/Getty
Passengers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport have faced security wait times of up to three hours as a partial federal government shutdown stretches into its second month during the busy spring-break travel period.
The airport and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) are urging travelers to allow extra time: at least two hours for domestic flights and four hours for international screenings. Social media posts and videos in recent days show security lines snaking through terminal areas and wrapping into the baggage claim.
Travelers stand in long lines at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on March 22, 2026Credit: Megan Varner/Getty
One post on X reported a 153-minute wait at 6 a.m., and travelers described long lines and anxiety about missed flights. “I have been flying 23 years since I moved to Georgia,” said Taisheree Musette, who flies weekly out of Atlanta. “I have never seen lines like this. I'm 2 and a half hours early and I'm concerned I'm not going to make my flight.”
The partial shutdown began on Feb. 14 after Congress failed to pass funding for the Department of Homeland Security. Since then, more than 300 TSA employees have resigned and callout rates have climbed to record highs as many continue working without pay, putting strain on checkpoint staffing.
Travelers stand in long lines at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on March 22, 2026Credit: Megan Varner/Getty
Some travelers expressed sympathy for unpaid TSA staff. “Pay these guys, and I’m pretty sure they will do their job,” said Stevilus Nelson. “Atlanta is the biggest airport in the country so it's important we get paid and get moving.” Another passenger noted the practical realities: “People have families. We have expenses and things we need to take care of, and if you aren’t being paid, you can't expect people to come to work.”
On March 22, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents "will be going to airports to help" TSA employees, placing blame for the funding lapse on Democratic lawmakers. Tom Homan, a former ICE official who has been described as a border czar, told CNN that ICE personnel would assist with non-specialized tasks — for example, helping move passengers through checkpoints while TSA concentrates on security-sensitive functions.
Airports are also taking smaller-scale steps to support unpaid federal workers. Denver International Airport announced it is soliciting grocery and gas gift-card donations for federal employees who missed their first paycheck, with CEO Phil Washington saying the effort aims to "ease the stress of this moment" for staff working without pay during a busy travel period.
With millions traveling for spring break, prolonged security lines at major hubs such as Atlanta raise concerns about missed flights, traveler frustration and operational strain on a federal workforce working without salaries amid an unresolved budget impasse. Travelers are advised to check return-to-airport guidance, arrive early, and monitor airline notifications for schedule changes.
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