The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Advertiser disclosure
The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
News
Flight delays surge, TSA waits hit 3 hours at major airport as shutdown strains air travel
Featured image by BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/GETTY IMAGES
Sean Cudahy is an aviation reporter covering news about airlines, frequent flyer programs and consumer travel issues.
November 3, 2025 • 9 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Editorial note: This story has been updated with new information.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
Related stories
Quick summary
The ongoing federal government shutdown has led to significant air travel disruptions, including increased flight delays and extended security wait times at major airports.
Staffing shortages among air traffic controllers and security personnel have caused operational challenges, with some airports experiencing three-hour waits at security checkpoints.
Airlines and airport staff are implementing temporary measures, such as assisting at checkpoints and closing special security lanes, to help manage the situation.
Travelers are advised to arrive earlier than usual, consider nonstop flights or longer connections, and prepare for extended time onboard due to potential delays.
What to consider
Security wait times and delays can vary widely by airport and may change with little notice, so checking airport websites for real-time updates is recommended.
Fast-track security programs like Clear and TSA PreCheck may still expedite screening, but some dedicated lanes could be closed due to staffing issues.
Travel insurance protections offered by some travel credit cards can help cover unexpected costs if delays or cancellations occur.
What you'll miss from the article
Detailed strategies for navigating airport disruptions and maximizing efficiency during the government shutdown.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
It's been more than a month since the federal government entered a partial shutdown. And at airports across the country, the travel woes are quickly mounting.
Flight delays surged this weekend as the Federal Aviation Administration reported a growing number of air traffic controllers calling off work after weeks without pay.
Meanwhile, wait times topped three hours at security checkpoints in one of the nation's largest cities, leading to chaotic scenes inside the terminal at Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).
“We’ve seen problems at L.A., in Dallas, in D.C., Boston, Atlanta," Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy said Sunday on CBS' "Face the Nation." "And so I think it’s only going to get worse."
Since Friday, more than 18,000 flights have been delayed, according to data from FlightAware.
The disruptions began to climb Friday night after the FAA reported staffing shortages at nearly half of its top air traffic control facilities. In the critical New York City region, around 8 in 10 workers were absent at one point.
The FAA expected more understaffed air traffic facilities Monday, including at the center that runs operations for Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), where average delays topped an hour by noon Monday.
Ever since the shutdown began Oct. 1, there had been widespread fears that weeks without pay could eventually lead to a surge in callouts at both the FAA and the Transportation Security Administration — something that snarled air travel during the last prolonged shutdown in early 2019.
Government and airline industry leaders insist these staffing shortages won't jeopardize travelers' safety.
“We will stop traffic," Duffy said Sunday. "We won't let that happen."
That could mean longer taxiing to take off, longer waits to land — in the air and on the ground — and backups at TSA checkpoints.
Flight departure board at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). SPENCER PLATT/GETTY IMAGES
What about TSA checkpoints?
While TSA backups haven't yet hit an inflection point nationally, travelers encountered drastic wait times this weekend at Houston's largest airport — problems that continued Monday, with three-hour security checkpoint backups, according to the airport's website.
IAH officials Monday warned travelers to arrive at the airport at least three hours ahead of their flight, after the TSA had to close all but two checkpoints (Terminal A and Terminal E) Saturday.
United Airlines is the dominant carrier at the airport, where it operates a major hub. United passengers were asked to drop their baggage at Terminal C and then proceed to Terminal E for screening.
Fortunately, security waits remained minimal at other airports across the country. On Sunday, as the TSA screened some 2.7 million passengers, average waits in the standard security lanes hovered around five minutes. Waits in the TSA PreCheck lanes averaged around two minutes.
However, “Occasional delays at some security checkpoints are to be expected,” one TSA spokesperson said. “The longer the shutdown goes on, the more severe the impact on our TSA workforce.”
TSA checkpoint at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). SHELBY TAUBER/BLOOMBERG/GETTY IMAGES
How airlines are handling the disruptions
In addition to providing meals for critical aviation workers, airlines are implementing changes to help travelers navigate airports more smoothly.
Delta Air Lines said its employees were assisting with logistics at TSA checkpoints to free up certified TSA screeners to process customers. The airline also noted that its corporate employees were assisting customers with moving through the lobby at its Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) megahub.
Delta Air Lines planes at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY
Delta closes special business-class security entrances
One significant change some Delta customers will notice: Due to TSA staffing concerns, the airline has temporarily closed its semiprivate security checkpoints for Delta One customers at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Tips for traveling during the government shutdown
With no clear indication of when the government shutdown might end, here are some tips for flying — whether you’re traveling this week or booking holiday flights.
Get to the airport earlier
The TSA continues to recommend that travelers arrive at the airport at least two to 2 1/2 hours before their flight. That's roughly in line with its normal guidance.
However, as we've seen in Houston in recent days, at certain airports, waits can end up being far longer — and with little notice.
My advice: Start by checking to see if your airport has a page on its website that tracks security wait times. For example, at IAH as of noon EST Monday, the airport's webpage showed average backups of 180 minutes (three hours) — which means you'd want to be there at least four or even five hours before your flight.
GEORGE BUSH INTERCONTINENTAL AIRPORT
Beyond that, I'd simply plan to get to the airport earlier than you otherwise would. Keep in mind, the TSA does have an app that shows checkpoint wait times. However, due to the shutdown, it's not being updated regularly.
Flight departure board at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). LI RUI/XINHUA/GETTY IMAGES
Book nonstop flights or longer connections, if you can
If you’re booking travel for the coming weeks, I’d opt for a nonstop flight if possible.
Flight cancellation rates in October were remarkably low — just 0.3% of all flights aboard U.S. carriers, according to FlightAware. That’s better than what we saw in September, when the government was open.
Delays, however, remain a very real concern.
If you're not able to fly nonstop, I’d avoid that tight 40-minute connection if you can. After all, a 45-minute delay becomes a much bigger problem if it causes you to miss your connecting flight.
Prepare for a longer wait on the plane
Load up the iPad with more shows, download that extra podcast and bring a bottle of water. The biggest impact customers are likely to experience from air traffic control-related delays is longer taxi times or additional time spent in a holding pattern before landing.
ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP/GETTY IMAGES
Have the necessary supplies, entertainment, battery life and refreshments so you’ll be ready if a two-hour flight turns into 3 1/2 hours on board the plane.
Stay glued to your airline's app
Watch for chances to switch to a new itinerary or take advantage of a travel advisory if an airline gives you extra flexibility. If trouble pops up, you may be able to make all the necessary changes with a few taps in its mobile app.
Airlines aren’t likely to foot the bill if you get stranded because of the government shutdown. That means you’d likely be on the hook for that unexpected hotel night or dinner out if you get delayed overnight.
Even at airports where TSA backups are a problem, you'll still get through faster with fast-tracked security programs like Clear and TSA PreCheck.
Clear can be especially handy when there's a major backup, since it essentially allows members to "cut the line" and head right to the bag screening. While standard Clear pricing costs more than $200 annually, a handful of credit cards will reimburse your membership fee.
Remember: Global Entry, which offers a shortcut through passport control after an international flight, also includes TSA PreCheck access. Numerous travel credit cards offer a statement credit for the application fees for both programs.
The best option of all: At several major hubs, there are now TSA Touchless ID lanes that we've found to be perhaps the fastest way to get through airport security. Just make sure you opt in with your airline before you head to the airport.
TSA Touchless ID at New York's LaGuardia Airport (LGA). CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY
The five largest U.S. airlines now participate: American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines. Here's the TSA's full rundown of airports that offer this speedy option.
Looking ahead
These mounting air travel and shutdown concerns come less than four weeks before the start of the Thanksgiving travel rush.
Keep in mind, the Sunday after Thanksgiving is usually one of the busiest travel days of the entire year.
“We are expecting a record holiday travel season; however, if the shutdown continues much longer, Americans will have to pack their patience and be prepared for more delays, unfortunately," Airlines for America, a lobbying group for the top U.S. carriers, said in a statement Thursday.
As of Monday, the U.S. Travel Association reported the shutdown has cost the American tourism industry at least $4.6 billion in lost revenue.
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
