Here’s How Early You Should Get to the Airport Amid TSA Problems

The ongoing partial government shutdown is keeping Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers from being paid and resulting in lengthy security line delays at airports around the country.

In order to deal with the problem, many travelers are arriving at the airport earlier than normal. As for how much time you should ideally give yourself, some of that depends on which facility you're flying out of.

Different airports suggest different arrival times

Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport has been heavily impacted by TSA staffing shortages, which have caused hours-long waits for customers going through security checkpoints.

On Monday, the airport released a statement suggesting passengers arrive "at least four hours" before their scheduled flight to ensure they'll have time to complete the boarding process.

"Due to TSA staffing constraints, ATL is continuing to see longer than normal wait times at security checkpoints," the statement reads. "Travelers are encouraged to arrive at least 4 hours early. We appreciate your patience and thank our federal and airport partners for their continued dedication."

Meanwhile, at San Diego International Airport, they're recommending arriving "at least two hours" before your flight, and last week, Philadelphia International Airport advised 2.5 hours before domestic flights and 3.5 hours before international flights.

So, when should you actually arrive at the airport?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer, honestly. We encourage looking up what your departing airport suggests, as well as keeping an eye on any websites or apps that monitor ongoing delays.

This issue isn't fun for anyone, but hopefully it will be resolved soon. Because if not...

Things could 'get worse'

Acting Deputy TSA Administrator Adam Stahl said in an appearance on NewsNation last week that if the shutdown doesn't end soon, delays could increase and full airport shutdowns are possible.

“It will vary very much airport to airport,” Stahl said, via KXAN. “Callout rates are one of many factors that help to inform our security footprint at every single airport, but again I can tell you, this is going to get worse before it gets better, particularly if we don’t have a resolution within the coming days and weeks.”