Houston airports see highest TSA callout rates in the nation, straining security lines | What travelers need to know
KHOU • • nation
Key Points:
- Houston airports are experiencing severe TSA staffing shortages amid the ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown, with absenteeism rates reaching 42.4% at George Bush Intercontinental Airport and 47.4% at William P. Hobby Airport.
- Nationwide TSA callout rates have surged above 11.5%, the highest during the shutdown, due to officers not receiving pay for the third time in six months, causing financial hardship and increased absenteeism.
- Operational changes at Houston airports, including limited TSA PreCheck availability and reduced screening lanes, are contributing to long security lines and wait times, especially during the busy spring break period.
- The Trump administration is deploying additional resources and hundreds of ICE officers to affected airports to mitigate delays, while blaming Democrats for the shutdown and its impact on air travel security and reliability.
- Travelers are advised to arrive early and prepare for extended wait times as staffing shortages and operational disruptions continue to affect airport security screening nationwide.
