US Airport Security Lines Hit 3 Hours Amid TSA Absences, Government Shutdown

• Security wait times reached three hours at some US airports, including Houston Hobby and New Orleans, due to rising TSA absences.
• Partial government shutdown has left approximately 50,000 TSA airport security screeners working without pay since February 13.
• Increased spring-break travel is exacerbating delays, with 171 million passengers expected to fly.
• Airlines for America CEO Chris Sununu urged Congress and the administration to reopen DHS, citing missed flights and massive delays.
• TSA officials anticipate workers will receive their first zero paycheck on March 13, potentially worsening staffing issues.