Atlanta airport's TSA wait times like playing ‘Russian roulette’

Delta expands waivers amid TSA delays

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport travelers face unpredictable security wait times and unpaid staff shortages, prompting officials to recommend four-hour arrival windows.

ATLANTA - Long security wait times persisted at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Thursday as the partial government shutdown reached its 40th day, creating a difficult travel environment that fluctuated significantly throughout the day.

While some travelers reported a seamless experience during the morning and early afternoon hours, wait times got longer in the late afternoon.

Delta waives fees for some travelers

What we know:

The lengthy security lines are a direct result of the ongoing partial government shutdown. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers have been calling in sick in increasing numbers after going more than a month without a paycheck. Despite the afternoon surge, the airport saw wait times of less than 30 minutes around 11 a.m. on Thursday.

To mitigate the impact on passengers, Delta Air Lines is extending travel waivers for those flying through Atlanta through March 30, allowing travelers to rebook flights without a change fee. Additionally, the federal government has dispatched Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to the airport this week to assist with crowd control. They are joined by Atlanta Police and Department of Homeland Security Police.

Airport officials continue to advise passengers to arrive four hours before their scheduled departure times to account for the unpredictable nature of the security lines.

Another busy morning at Hartsfield-Jackson

It was busy once again around 7 a.m. at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. People were lined up both outside and inside of the airport. Kim Leoffler reporting.

TSA wait time warning

Dig deeper:

TSA warns it may have to shut down operations at some airports if the ongoing budget impasse continues. Workers are set to miss another paycheck, with Congress scheduled to take a two-week break.

Officials say the delays are being driven in part by TSA agents calling out after not being paid during the partial government shutdown.

The airport’s website, which typically provides estimated security wait times, is currently unavailable. Travelers are being advised to arrive hours before their flights, whether flying domestically or internationally.

Passengers say the experience has been frustrating, with some arriving around midnight only to wait several hours to check bags and clear security. One traveler described the situation as a "horrible" experience, saying there were no clear answers and large crowds, including families and people in wheelchairs.

However, it does appear that people who are flying in the early morning hours are the ones being hit the hardest.

Passengers arriving hours early for flights

Passengers with early morning departures in Atlanta are arriving hours ahead of their flights, though some still report missing departures. Travelers later in the day appear to face shorter lines and fewer delays.

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Wait times like playing ‘Russian roulette’

What they're saying:

Travelers at the airport on Thursday shared a wide range of perspectives on the wait times and the presence of additional law enforcement.

"I got here late Sunday night, and it was a mess in here and looking around now it looks beautiful," said traveler Tristan Tams, noting the improvement during his Thursday transit. Regarding the unpaid workers, Tams added, "It’s brutal. If I could figure out how to give them some money I would do that because it has to be painful for sure."

The uncertainty of the lines has forced frequent flyers to change their habits. "I’m the person that plays Russian roulette," said Katie Goode. "I get here right before the gate closes. Now to be here all these hours early, I guess I’ll go chill in the lounge."

Breon Grant, observing the afternoon security lines, noted that while the volume was high, the lines were not stagnant. "It’s constantly moving so it’s not super bad, but it still looks long," Grant said.

Other passengers expressed frustration with the federal situation and skepticism regarding the new security reinforcements. "I think it’s horrible; it sucks," Amber Jones said. "People do have to travel so it’s like catch-22, I guess. We have to travel, they aren’t getting paid, so why come to work if you aren’t getting paid?"

Addressing the presence of ICE and DHS officers, Jones said, "I guess if they are helping it’s OK but it doesn’t seem like they are helping. They are just loitering around—I could be wrong—but if they are here to help then I guess it’s okay, but to me it doesn’t seem like they are."

What we don't know:

President Donald Trump said he is considering deploying the National Guard to assist at airport security checkpoints as long lines and staffing shortages continue nationwide. Speaking earlier this week and in a social media post Wednesday, Trump blamed Democrats for the ongoing disruptions and said National Guard troops could be used alongside federal agents if needed to help ease delays.

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