HOUSTON – Travelers flying out of George Bush Intercontinental Airport should be prepared for long security lines again on Friday as the partial government shutdown continues to impact TSA staffing levels.
Airport officials say screening capacity at George Bush Intercontinental Airport is reduced due to ongoing shortages of Transportation Security Administration officers, leading to longer and less predictable wait times.
Across the country, more than 60,000 TSA workers have gone without pay during the shutdown, and about 10% of officers nationwide are calling out, according to federal officials.
In Houston, the situation is more difficult. NBC News reports call-outs at Bush Airport have reached about 41%, one of the highest rates in the nation.
Because of the staffing shortages, TSA screening locations at the airport are limited:
- TSA PreCheck is only available in Terminals A and C
- Standard screening is only available in Terminals A and E
Passengers flying out of William P. Hobby Airport may also experience delays, even though the airport has only one main terminal, because staffing shortages are affecting screening operations there as well.
Airport officials urge travelers to arrive earlier than usual and stay in close contact with their airlines, since rebooking may be necessary if long lines cause missed flights.
Click here for the latest estimated wait times to get through security at Hobby Airport.
For estimated wait times at Bush Intercontinental Airport, click here.