Travelers continued to face long waits at security checkpoints, especially during peak times, as staffing shortages related to the federal funding standoff continue.
ATLANTA — TSA wait times at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport continue to be a problem as politicians grapple with a solution to end the partial government shutdown, which has left checkpoints short-staffed.
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Travelers’ wait times were the worst during peak times, with some waiting hours in line, as staffing shortages stemming from the federal funding standoff continued.
While some mid-morning periods have shown brief improvements in recent days, with wait times dropping to around 30 to 45 minutes, those windows have been inconsistent. Early-morning rush hours and peak travel times still cause major delays, with lines sometimes stretching outside terminal entrances.
What We Know
Airport officials are warning passengers to plan by arriving at least 3 hours early for domestic flights and 4 hours before international departures.
The TSA checkpoint located in the domestic main terminal is open for 24 hours, according to the airport’s website. Checkpoints located in the north, south, and international terminals open at 4:00 a.m.
11Alive reached out to confirm whether opening times have changed due to staffing shortages and was told by a customer service representative that checkpoint hours won’t change.
TSA wait times are usually available here to check. However, the site was updated over the weekend with a generic message urging passengers to arrive four hours early.
Federal officials have deployed additional personnel, including agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Homeland Security Investigations, to assist with line management and ID checks. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said those agents report directly to TSA and are not involved in immigration enforcement.
Even with that support, conditions still haven’t fully stabilized.
Airlines are preparing for continued disruption, with Delta Air Lines issuing travel waivers for passengers in Atlanta, allowing some flexibility for rebooking.
What’s causing this?
The ongoing issues stem largely from reduced staffing at the Transportation Security Administration. Many agents are still working without pay, while others have called out, contributing to operational strain at the world’s busiest airport. The callouts stem from workers likely seeking new ways to earn money or from their simply being unable to afford to commute to work.
Congress is under pressure to fund the Department of Homeland Security ahead of its upcoming spring recess. The vote remained at a standstill as of Thursday, as senators negotiated behind closed doors to review the latest Republican offer to end the funding impasse, including potential changes to immigration enforcement.
A core group of Democrats and Republicans is still hammering out details as pressure mounts in Congress to reach a deal.
What Comes Next?
With heavy travel days ahead, including the weekend rush, airport officials say delays could intensify if staffing levels do not improve.
The message remains the same for travelers: expect long lines, build in extra time, and be prepared for delays as conditions continue to shift.
For more information about TSA and passenger security, visit www.atl.com/passenger-information/passenger-security.
