Can You Get a Refund If TSA Makes You Miss Your Flight?
TSA security lines are stretching beyond an hour at major airports across the country, nearly a month into a partial government shutdown that has left Transportation Security Administration agents working without pay. Travelers who miss their flights as a result have limited options.
Why Lines Are So Long Right Now
TSA agents are currently working without pay due to the ongoing partial government shutdown. Understaffing, combined with high travel volume, bad weather, and cascading flight delays, has created unusually long wait times at airports including Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta and Houston's Hobby Airport. Airport officials are advising travelers to arrive three to four hours before their flights.
You Won't Get a Refund From Your Airline
Missing a flight due to a TSA delay does not entitle passengers to a refund. Airlines are required to issue refunds when a flight is cancelled, significantly delayed, or changed on the airline's part. TSA lines are considered part of the airport infrastructure, not the airline's responsibility, so delays at security checkpoints do not qualify.
In some cases, airlines may offer an alternate flight or flight credits, but they are not required to do so. The Department of Transportation requires airlines to inform passengers if a refund is available.
How to Check Wait Times Before You Leave
The MyTSA app, which normally tracks security wait times, is not being updated during the government shutdown. Travelers should instead check their airport's official website or social media channels for current wait time information.
Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson, for example, posts live wait times for all five TSA checkpoints on its website. Wait times can shift significantly within an hour, so checking close to departure is advisable.
TSA PreCheck Is Still Running — For Now
TSA PreCheck remains available as of March 16, 2026. However, that could change. As unpaid TSA agents continue to miss paychecks, call-out rates are expected to rise. If staffing drops further, some airports may close PreCheck lanes to prioritize general security lines.
Travelers with PreCheck should not assume the lane will be open at their specific airport and should confirm before arriving.
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