Copyright Simple Flying
Those traveling through one of Texas's biggest airports, Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport, face long lines for airport security. Due to the federal government shutdown, this has impacted Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staffing across the country. This has led to lines up to three hours long snaking their way to outside of the terminal. Currently, only TSA checkpoints at IAH's Terminal A and E are operational, meaning that those looking to travel with United from Terminal C are required to check their baggage and then proceed to Terminal E for security screening. Chaos At IAH Shared by many on social media, long lines have snaked their way outside of terminal buildings at IAH over the last two days. This has been fueled by a shortage of TSA screeners at the airport, reducing its capacity from five to just two checkpoints. It is expected to get worse before it gets better until the government shutdown is resolved. While it is expected that nationwide operations at TSA would remain minimal due to the shutdown, a shortage in personnel at both Houston airports has led to longer-than-normal delays in airport screening. Houston Airports has published an advisory to remind travelers that they can expect considerable delays at TSA checkpoints, following the federal government shutdown. This is affecting not just TSA screening at IAH, but also Houston Hobby Airport (HOU), where wait lines are estimated to be over an hour. Simple Flying reached out to the Transportation Security Administration for comment and was provided the below from their spokesperson: "The longer the shutdown goes on, the more severe the impact on our TSA workforce who have expenses they must pay for, making it harder to show up for work when not being paid. We kindly ask for the public’s patience and understanding as our officers are forced to work unpaid at this time. Despite this challenge, TSA will remain vigilant and focused on performing our vital security mission on behalf of the American people.” Remain Patient Despite limited staff, IAH has reminded passengers to arrive early and expect delays. The airport has reminded passengers through multiple channels that the wait to pass through aviation security could last more than three hours. Passengers are reminded to check in at their designated terminal before using the airport's subway system to access the TSA checkpoints currently operating. TSA PreCheck and CLEAR remain available during this time. It is reminded to passengers that they must check in at the appropriate terminal before proceeding to the TSA checkpoints in Terminal A and E. United Airlines, for example, is unable to check bags in Terminal A for those departing on flights from Terminal C. While United Airlines, Houston Intercontinental's largest airline, has not immediately published additional flexibility on its website for affected passengers at the airport. It appears through information shared on the George Bush Intercontinental Airport Facebook page that some flights are being held past their departure time in a bid to accommodate those late to the gate. Travel Impacts Due To The US Government Shutdown Congress failed to recently pass a funding bill, which, from October 1, meant that only essential services could continue. This will see widespread disruption for those looking to get new passports, the closure of national parks or museums, and will directly affect both TSA and air traffic controllers. Commercial flights are expected to operate as normal; however, the shutdown will mean that some workers will not be paid. This may result in those taking additional leave, meaning staffing levels are low and can result in longer-than-usual wait times at airports. The last time such a shutdown occurred (December 2018 to January 2019) saw around 10% of staff stay home.
