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Flight Check

Government shutdown — TSA lines affected

The DHS shutdown has been ongoing since Feb 14, 2026. TSA officers are working without pay. Over 300 have quit. Callout rates have tripled. The MyTSA app is offline.

TSA Wait Times During the Shutdown

MyTSA is down. We're not. Check wait times at 150+ airports.

The MyTSA app has been offline since February 2026 due to the DHS government shutdown. TSA wait times have increased significantly, with some airports seeing 3+ hour waits. Over 300 TSA officers have quit and callout rates have tripled to ~6% nationally. Flight Check provides TSA wait time predictions for 150+ U.S. airports using 6.9M+ flights of independent federal data plus real-time community reports — always available, no app required.

What you need to know

How early should I arrive?

Most airports are advising 3 hours early for domestic flights during the shutdown. Worst-affected airports like Houston Hobby are recommending up to 5 hours. If you have TSA PreCheck, standard guidance of 1.5-2 hours should still be fine — PreCheck lanes are averaging 3-10 minutes even during the crisis.

Is TSA PreCheck still working?

Yes. PreCheck was briefly suspended on Feb 22 but restored the same day. PreCheck lanes are seeing dramatically shorter waits — at Houston Hobby, standard lanes averaged 90+ minutes while PreCheck was 3 minutes. At $78 ($16/year over 5 years), it's the single best investment you can make right now.

Will my airline refund me if I miss my flight?

Unfortunately, no. Airlines are not required to compensate for TSA-caused delays. If you miss your flight due to long security lines, you'll need to rebook at your own expense. This is why arriving early is critical right now.

Why is MyTSA down?

The MyTSA app is a government-funded tool that went offline when DHS funding lapsed on February 14, 2026. It has not been updated since. Flight Check uses independent data sources and community reports, so it works regardless of government shutdowns.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the MyTSA app working?

No. MyTSA has been offline since February 2026 due to the DHS government shutdown. Use Flight Check as a free alternative for TSA wait time data.

How can I check TSA wait times during the shutdown?

Use Flight Check's TSA wait times tool or check real-time traveler reports. Data is built on 6.9M+ flights of federal records plus community reports.

How long will the TSA shutdown last?

The shutdown began February 14, 2026 and there is currently no resolution in sight. It's the result of a congressional standoff over DHS funding. TSA officers are required to work without pay, leading to increased callouts and resignations.

What is the best MyTSA alternative?

Flight Check offers free TSA wait time predictions at 150+ airports, community reports from travelers, a "What Can I Bring" search, and pre-flight briefings that combine TSA + delays + weather. No app download required.

Data from BTS, FAA, NOAA, and community reports. Not affiliated with TSA or DHS. Updated March 2026.