New York, United States – On 22 March 2026 at 5:00 a.m., hundreds of travelers at JFK Terminal 5 faced extreme delays at the TSA security checkpoint.

The line stretched far back through the brightly lit terminal, with passengers standing shoulder-to-shoulder under fluorescent lights and large windows. Many travelers carried luggage, backpacks, and jackets, shifting in place or checking phones amid the congestion.

Severe staffing shortages caused by the ongoing partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security have forced TSA agents to work unpaid, leading to high call-out rates and mass resignations. Even PreCheck lines moved slowly, with some passengers reporting waits of around 75 minutes.

Similar delays were reported at other major hubs, including LaGuardia and Newark, with some waits exceeding three hours. Airports are advising travelers to arrive at least three to four hours early amid spring-break travel disruptions.

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