HOUSTON – TSA reinforcements have arrived in Houston at George Bush Intercontinental Airport as long security lines continue during the ongoing partial government shutdown.
A small number of TSA National Deployment Officers, or NDOs, were sent to Bush Airport this week to help support screening operations, according to the Houston Airport System.
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The additional officers, who arrived on Wednesday, are being used to open more screening lanes, though officials say their limited numbers may only allow for one or two extra lanes at a time.
NDOs are deployed nationwide to assist airports experiencing staffing shortages, high passenger demand or emergencies. Their role at Bush Airport is focused on supporting TSA screening operations and increasing throughput where possible.
This isn’t the first time reinforcements have arrived during the ongoing government shutdown that started February 14.
According to the Houston Airport System, NDOs arrived at Hobby Airport on March 10, two days after incredibly long lines at the airport south of downtown Houston. The result is a positive one, with airport leaders saying the additional TSA officers “are having a positive impact.”
Separately, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers are also assisting at Houston-area airports in a different capacity, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
ICE officers are helping guard entrances and exits, assist with logistics and manage crowds, allowing TSA officers to remain focused on screening duties, DHS said.
“ICE officers are guarding entrances and exits, assisting with logistics, and doing crowd control,” Department of Homeland Security Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said in part. “The more support we have available, the more efficiently TSA can focus on their highly specialized screening roles to efficiently get airport security lines moving faster.”
The reinforcements come as airports across the country continue to deal with staffing shortages tied to the shutdown, which has led to longer lines and operational changes at security checkpoints. In Houston, TSA wait times have exceeded four hours as passengers have weaved through several levels of terminals, including waiting outside.
Recent changes have also highlighted how some travelers are navigating the delays.
United Airlines is offering certain elite passengers expedited options to bypass longer TSA lines, while lawmakers in Washington have moved to eliminate screening perks for members of Congress amid the nationwide disruptions.
Travel experts advise passengers to arrive at the airport earlier than usual, monitor wait times, consider flying during off-peak days and even driving to their destination.
Houston Airports cautioned that conditions may continue to shift from day to day, or even by the hour, as staffing levels fluctuate.
Travelers should expect delays Thursday, with long lines potentially extending into areas outside normal security checkpoints.