Houston Airport System officials are urging travelers to arrive early as TSA wait times may exceed two hours in some locations, HAS officials said in a March 8 news release.
What's happening?
Due to the partial federal government shutdown, TSA officers are working without pay creating staffing shortages that have led to longer than typical wait times at airports nationwide, including at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU).
Director of Aviation Jim Szczesniak said HAS is expecting about 2.2 million spring break travelers during the government shutdown.
"Spring break brings some of the busiest travel days of the year," Szczesniak said in a statement. "When more passengers meet fewer security lanes, wait times can grow quickly."
What's being done
While Szczesniak said many TSA officers are taking on additional shifts to keep security lanes open, there is still strong travel demand with fewer screening lanes open at some checkpoints.
"Houston Airports is managing traffic at the curbs, assisting passengers inside the terminals and helping travelers navigate checkpoint queues," Szczesniak said. "We appreciate the patience and understanding that passengers continue to demonstrate."
Keep in mind
At HOU, officials said travelers should plan to arrive four hours before their scheduled departure as TSA wait times may extend beyond two hours.
At IAH, officials noted travelers should allow extra time for security screening, noting TSA checkpoints at terminals A, C and E are operational March 8-9, while the TSA checkpoint at Terminal D is closed March 8-9.
Additionally, officials noted some international air carriers have recently moved from Terminal D to E at IAH.
Quote of note
"The best advice we can share with travelers is simple: plan ahead, arrive early and stay in communication with your airline," Szczesniak said.
Learn more
For estimated security wait times at HOU, click here. For estimated security wait times at IAH, click here. To learn more about recent international airline moves at IAH, click here.
