Airports across the country are reporting longer-than-normal security lines at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints. In some locations, passengers have reported waiting up to three hours to clear security.
The delays aren’t just the result of the busy spring break travel season. They’re also tied to the partial federal government shutdown, which has left TSA officers working without pay. With some employees calling in sick and others leaving their jobs after repeated shutdown disruptions, staffing shortages are slowing checkpoint operations at some airports.
For travelers, that means planning ahead — and knowing a few tools that can help avoid surprises at the airport.
Check Wait Times Before Leaving Home
Travelers can often check estimated TSA security wait times before heading to the airport.
The MyTSA mobile app provides estimated wait times for many airports across the country and offers information about TSA procedures and travel alerts.
Airport websites may also provide updates or travel tips.
- Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport: flywichita.com
- Kansas City International Airport: flykc.com
Several travel websites also track estimated security wait times at airports nationwide. While these estimates can change quickly, they can help travelers decide whether to leave earlier than planned.
Even with these tools, airlines still recommend arriving at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights — and possibly earlier during peak travel periods.
TSA PreCheck Can Help — Even During Delays
One way to move through security faster is TSA PreCheck, which offers expedited screening lanes at most U.S. airports.
Passengers using TSA PreCheck generally:
- Keep their shoes on
- Leave laptops and liquids in their bags
- Use shorter security lines
Even when airports are busy, TSA PreCheck lanes typically move faster than standard screening lanes.
The program costs about $78 to $85 depending on the enrollment provider and is valid for five years.
While it may be too late to enroll before a spring break trip, applying now could ensure approval in time for summer travel.
How to Apply
Travelers can start the process by visiting tsa.gov/precheck and completing a short online application. The form typically takes about five minutes.
Applicants then schedule a brief in-person appointment at an enrollment center. During that visit — usually about 10 minutes — officials collect fingerprints, take a photo, verify identification documents and collect the application fee.
Travelers should be cautious of unofficial websites. Legitimate TSA PreCheck enrollment sites always end in .gov, and first-time applicants do not pay the application fee online. Payment is made during the in-person appointment.
Make Sure PreCheck Is Linked to Your Airline Ticket
After approval, travelers receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN).
To use TSA PreCheck, that number must be added to an airline reservation or traveler profile. If the number is missing from the reservation, the boarding pass may not display the TSA PreCheck indicator and travelers may have to use the standard security lane.
What About Kids Traveling With You?
Children often don’t need their own TSA PreCheck membership when traveling with a parent who has one.
- Children 12 and younger can accompany a parent or guardian in the TSA PreCheck lane even if their boarding pass does not show the TSA PreCheck indicator.
- Children ages 13–17 can use the TSA PreCheck lane only if the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on their boarding pass. To make that happen, the child and adult should be booked on the same airline reservation, and the adult’s boarding pass must show the TSA PreCheck indicator.
Children who travel alone frequently may want to enroll in TSA PreCheck themselves.
Another Option: CLEAR
Some travelers also use CLEAR, a private service available at many major airports.
CLEAR uses biometric identification — typically facial recognition or fingerprint scanning — to verify a traveler’s identity and move them to the front of the TSA identity-check line. Travelers must still complete TSA security screening afterward.
CLEAR currently costs about $189 per year, and some travelers combine it with TSA PreCheck to move through checkpoints more quickly.
The TSA is also expanding its own facial recognition technology at some airports to speed up identity verification. Travelers can opt out of the facial scan and request a manual ID check if they prefer.
Don’t Forget the REAL ID Requirement
Regardless of whether travelers have TSA PreCheck, they must still meet federal identification requirements.
Once TSA fully enforces the REAL ID requirement, travelers will need either:
- A REAL ID–compliant driver’s license, or
- Another accepted form of identification such as a U.S. passport.
REAL ID licenses are typically marked with a star symbol in the upper corner.
Travelers who do not yet have a REAL ID should contact their state driver’s licensing agency to learn how to obtain one.
Renewing TSA PreCheck
TSA PreCheck memberships last five years, and members can renew their membership online up to six months before it expires. So if you’ve had your PreCheck for a while, check your expiration date.
Renewing early does not shorten the membership period. The new five-year term begins when the current membership expires.
Travelers who have changed their name since enrolling may need to update their information through their enrollment provider or complete the renewal in person. Processing name changes can take up to 45 days.
Plan Ahead
With security delays possible at some airports this spring, the best strategy may be simple preparation.
Checking wait times, arriving early and using programs like TSA PreCheck can help travelers reduce stress — and avoid missing a flight when airport security lines start moving slowly.