If you’re flying in the coming weeks, you may want to plan for a little extra time at the airport.
Recent federal funding issues have begun to impact parts of the aviation system, particularly security staffing at airports. While flights are still operating normally, travelers in several major cities are reporting longer-than-usual lines at security checkpoints and TSA delays.
For anyone heading out on a golf trip, vacation, or business travel, a little preparation can help make the airport experience much smoother.
Here’s what travelers should know.
Why Security Lines May Be Longer
Security checkpoints at U.S. airports are operated by the Transportation Security Administration, which falls under the Department of Homeland Security.
During periods when federal funding lapses, many aviation workers—including TSA officers—continue working but face operational disruptions that can affect staffing levels. When fewer officers are available to staff security lanes, wait times can increase at busy airports.
With spring travel demand already climbing, the result can be longer and less predictable security lines at certain airports.
Airports Seeing Longer Wait Times
Travelers have reported longer security waits at several major U.S. airports in recent days, particularly during peak travel hours. Among the airports seeing some of the biggest slowdowns:
- William P. Hobby Airport
- Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport
- George Bush Intercontinental Airport
Other large hubs like John F. Kennedy International Airport and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport have also experienced occasional delays depending on staffing and travel volume.
The key challenge for travelers is unpredictability—security wait times may vary significantly throughout the day.
Why Golf Travelers Feel It Even More
For golfers traveling with their clubs, longer airport lines can make travel days even more complicated.
Golf bags typically count as oversized luggage, which means additional time spent checking bags and navigating crowded terminals. When security lines are already longer than usual, managing bulky gear can add another layer of stress to the trip.
That’s one reason many golfers choose to ship their clubs and luggage ahead of time with ShipSticks. Sending clubs directly to your destination allows you to travel lighter and move through the airport more easily—especially when airports are busier than normal. Plus, you get to skip baggage claim after landing and head straight to your destination.
Travel Tips for Flying Right Now
If you’re flying soon, a few small adjustments can help make the experience smoother.
- Arrive earlier than usual. Allow extra time for security screening.
- Check wait times before leaving for the airport. Many airports provide real-time security wait estimates online.
- Use expedited screening if you have it. Programs like TSA PreCheck can help reduce time spent in security lines.
- Ship bulky gear ahead of time. Shipping golf clubs ahead lets you skip oversized baggage lines and travel through the airport more comfortably.
Air travel remains fully operational, but staffing fluctuations and increased travel demand are leading to longer security lines at some airports.
Travelers who plan ahead—arriving early, packing strategically, and simplifying what they bring to the airport—can avoid most of the stress.
And when your clubs are already waiting at your destination, it’s one less thing to worry about on travel day.
