The wait times continue to go up as the government shutdown continues.<\/p>\n
HOUSTON \u2014 Travelers flying out of Houston\u2019s airports should plan for big delays<\/a> at security checkpoints as the federal government shutdown impacts TSA staffing and operations nationwide.<\/p>\n Houston Airports says TSA wait times may exceed three hours at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and more than an hour at William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). The delays are expected to continue until further notice.<\/p>\n \u201cFrankly, it\u2019s just two people are fighting over political issues, and this is the victim, the public,\u201d Nael Tannira said.<\/p>\n She saw the security line outside of Terminal E and decided it wasn\u2019t worth the effort. He missed his flight. Other passengers say they witnessed people acting restless.<\/p>\n \u201cI done walked past people fighting, cussing each other out, it\u2019s crazy,\u201d Tamisha Diggs told KHOU.<\/p>\n On Sunday afternoon, around 4 p.m., the line for security in Terminal A went downstairs in baggage claim, and people were waiting for at least two hours to get upstairs through security.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is insane, it\u2019s looking like I\u2019ll miss my flight,\u201d Cesar Aparicio told KHOU while he was in the Terminal A line.<\/p>\n Passengers say they trekked between Terminals A and E in hopes of seeing better wait times, but that wasn\u2019t the case.<\/p>\n \u201cI finally go over there [to Terminal E] and it\u2019s catastrophic,\u201d Urayna Nance said.<\/p>\n She trekked from Terminal A to Terminal E in hopes of boarding a flight home to Detroit.<\/p>\n Instead of flying home, she\u2019s planning to stay overnight at the airport with hopes that conditions improve.<\/p>\n At Bush Airport, only TSA checkpoints at Terminals A and E are open. Airport officials say United Airlines passengers should check their luggage at Terminal C, then head over to Terminal E for security screening by walking or taking the airport subway. The Subway connects all five terminals, and once screened, travelers can take the Skyway to reach each gate.<\/p>\n At Hobby, officials say fewer screening lanes are open, which is contributing to longer lines there.<\/p>\n UPDATE: TSA wait times may exceed 3 hours.<\/p>\n We ask that passengers continue to arrive early and expect extended security wait times until the federal government shutdown is resolved. pic.twitter.com\/rQomKZRSyk<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Bush Airport (@iah) November 2, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n \u201cPoor communication, other issues going on. I do understand the shortage in the staff and the why, but it\u2019s just very inconvenient for all our passengers,\u201d Nance said.<\/p>\n Other passengers are hoping authorities can improve this flying fiasco.<\/p>\n \u201cMy only hope is the authority of the governor. He has to call in the TSA people to come in and open up more TSA entrance areas,\u201d Tannira asked.<\/p>\n Houston Airports Director of Aviation Jim Szczesniak calls this a \u201cchallenging time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe sincerely thank our passengers for arriving early and for their patience and flexibility during this challenging time,\u201d he said in a statement issued Sunday. \u201cThe federal government shutdown has impacted TSA staffing and operations nationwide, AND Houston Airports is doing everything possible to support our TSA partners and keep passengers moving safely and efficiently. \u201cWe ask that passengers continue to arrive early and expect extended security wait times until the federal government shutdown is resolved.\u201d<\/p>\n Officials urge passengers to arrive several hours early for their flights and allow extra time to get through security until the shutdown ends.<\/p>\n Check current security wait times at Bush Airport<\/a> | Check current security wait times at Hobby Airport<\/a><\/p>\n Got a news tip or story idea? Email us at\u00a0<\/strong>newstips@khou.com<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0or call 713-521-4310 and include your name and the best way to reach you.<\/strong><\/p>\n \n