Things were hectic for U.S. travel in October, and conditions worsened further in the first week of November. The chaos didn’t stem from weather, though Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, did cause serious flight disruptions in Jamaica.
The disruptions travelers are now seeing are connected to the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.
On Tuesday, November 4, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned of “mass chaos” in the skies if the shutdown continues and air traffic controllers miss a second paycheck, reported The Associated Press.
The U.S. aviation system has already seen major delays as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) temporarily slowed or stopped traffic due to controller shortages.
The weekend of November 1–2 saw some of the worst disruptions, with long delays and flight cancellations at George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and William P. Hobby (HOU) in Houston, and Newark Airport in New Jersey.
TSA wait times briefly improve at these airports
On Sunday, November 2, TSA wait times at Bush Intercontinental surpassed three hours, while Hobby averaged over 60 minutes, reported Fox 26 Houston.
Newark Airport in New Jersey also had delays of two to three hours, the AP reported. New York City’s Emergency Management office warned on X (formerly Twitter) that Newark’s delays could ripple across the region.
By Tuesday, November 4, TSA lines improved at both Houston airports, though officials continued urging travelers to arrive early as the shutdown persists, reported KHOU 11. That afternoon, a ground stop at Hobby ended at 6 p.m., followed by a ground delay until 9 p.m.
According to Houston Airports, Tuesday’s average TSA wait times were 25 minutes at Bush Terminal E, 15 minutes at Terminal A, and 10 minutes at Hobby.
Officials still urge travelers to arrive early and stay alert for updates
Although times improved significantly from the weekend, officials say that reflects typically lighter Tuesday volumes. Travelers are still advised to arrive early and to regularly check for updates and alerts.
“As a result of the federal government shutdown, passengers may experience extended screening times at both Bush and Hobby airports. Until the shutdown ends, wait times can vary day to day, even shift by shift as the TSA works to ensure the safety of all passengers,” Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports, stated in a video published on the Bush Airport Instagram page.
Related: TSA wait times over 60 minutes at these airports
Szczesniak thanked federal partners and passengers for continuous flexibility and patience during these challenging circumstances.
“We know so much is uncertain right now. Please visit Flyt2Houston.com for the latest information including our airport alerts,” he added.
Latest updates from Bush Airport and Hobby Airport
The latest message from Bush Airport, shared on X (formerly Twitter), suggests passengers reserve some extra time.
“Flying from IAH tomorrow (11/06)? Give yourself extra time. Arriving early gives you time to park, check your bags, and get through security.”
Bush Airport alerts:
- TSA wait times may exceed 60 to 75 minutes.
- Passengers should arrive early and allow for extra screening time.
- Only TSA Checkpoints at Terminal A and Terminal E are open.
- TSA Pre-Check and CLEAR are available at both terminals.
- Travelers flying with United should check their baggage at Terminal C, and then proceed to Terminal E for security screening.
Hobby Airport posted a similar alert on its X page at 3:25 a.m. EST on November 6, advising all travelers flying that day to arrive earlier than usual.
Hobby Airport alerts:
- TSA wait times may exceed 30 to 45 minutes.
- Passengers should arrive early and allow extra time for screening.
- TSA Pre-Check and CLEAR are available.
Some passengers had to rebook flights
Some passengers told KHOU 11 they’d had to rebook after missing flights due to long security lines. One traveler, Martha, said she arrived four hours early after seeing the alerts.
“Take your time because you don’t want to lose your flight and even more flying with kids. It’s difficult,” she said. “We saw the news and the lines and I saw all the comments from people. And I really got, like, really scared.”
On passenger shared their experience on X, under the username @nextradaymus69:
“Four-and-a-half hours just to make it through the line to get into the TSA security line. Missed our flight. Our bags already got sent to our destination. This is an absolute s**t show.”
What if you miss your flight because security screening took too long?
Wait times can change within minutes, pointed out ABC 13 Houston. Bush Intercontinental Airport stressed that the wait times travelers see on its website are estimates. Times could be longer or shorter due to various issues caused by the government shutdown.
“It does seem we are seeing more and more of an impact as people are receiving zero dollars checks. We are seeing greater disruptions; where that goes from here, we’ll see.”
Related: UPS plane crashes shortly after takeoff, all flights canceled
What if you miss your flight because of a long security screening time?
According to experts, passengers don’t have many rights in this situation. However, because these are unprecedented times, experts advise talking to someone at the ticket counter or calling the airline, reports ABC 13 Houston.
According to Gary Leff, a recognized expert in miles, points, and business travel, airlines filling seats from missed flights might be more willing to move you.
Leff, named one of the world’s top travel experts by Condé Nast Traveler, said although airlines aren’t obligated to help you, they often will, if asked.
Tips to avoid holdups at airport security checkpoints
To avoid delays, TSA reminds travelers to remove:
- Scarves or masks over your face
- Belts with metal buckles
- Heavy jewelry or watches
- Cordless hair stylers and lithium batteries
- Liquids, aerosols or gels over 3.4 ounces
Air travel situation will get worse, experts warn
At the start of the shutdown, operations held steady as TSA agents and controllers worked off their last paycheck. But experts warn that the longer the shutdown continues, the greater the risk of sick calls and disruptions.
Vice President of America Federal Government Employees Council 100/TSA Region 7 Joe Shuker raised an alarm even in situations when employees come to work.
Shuker pointed out the challenge of managing a high-stress job, which includes searching for bombs and weapons and being responsible for the safety of a lot of people, while being under the extra stress of not receiving pay.
Duffy warned that the situation will only worsen the longer the shutdown lasts. FAA employees missed one paycheck on Oct. 28, and their next payday is set for November 11.
“Many of the controllers said, ‘A lot of us can navigate missing one paycheck. Not everybody, but a lot of us can. None of us can manage missing two paychecks,’” Duffy said. “So if you bring us to a week from today, Democrats, you will see mass chaos. You will see mass flight delays.”
In an October 28 press release, The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) reminded that “air traffic controllers don’t start or stop government shutdowns —politicians do.”
“Many are already working six days a week, and now they are facing the impossible choice of taking on extra jobs just to feed their families. Meanwhile, Congress is leading us towards what could be the longest shutdown in our nation’s history, and introducing risk into an already fragile system,” stated NATCA President Nick Daniels.
Related: Another regional airline abruptly shuts down, cancels all flights
