TSA Lines Are so Bad That United, Delta Waive Change Fees

Key Points:

• Several airlines, including Delta, United, Allegiant, JetBlue, and Southwest, are waiving change fees and offering more flexible rebooking options for passengers affected by long TSA security wait times caused by a partial government shutdown.
• The TSA shutdown has led to increased agent absences, with up to 10% calling out on some days, prompting deployment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to major airports and resulting in hours-long security delays.
• Delta is waiving change fees and fare differences for travelers flying from Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on specific dates, while United is offering rescheduling options for flights from Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
• Allegiant has introduced a "travel with confidence" policy allowing free changes or cancellations during the shutdown, JetBlue offers flexible fares (except Blue Basic) and rebooking for missed flights, and Southwest is rebooking passengers who miss flights due to TSA delays without charge.
• The government shutdown continues amid political disagreements over Department of Homeland Security funding, with Republicans seeking increased ICE funding and Democrats pushing for reforms following recent violence.