The DHS shutdown is forcing the TSA website to slow down as delays grow across the country
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As funding cuts to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) continue, TSA agents have been dealing with part of the pay — and checks that will be empty if the shutdown continues.
These days, the closures are causing major delays at some airports across the country, with travelers waiting times of 3.5 hours being reported in major areas due to a lack of police.
The TSA website and app went offline on Feb. 17. The site “will not be updated until after the funds are released,” the TSA says on its site — leaving travelers high and dry when it comes to finding wait time information.
Idle LUCK FLYING BAD AS TSA LINES SPILL INTO PARKING LOTS WITH WAITS OF 3 HOURS OR LONGER
A TSA spokesperson told Fox News Digital on Monday that the staff managing the website and app have been terminated.
“Some airports are tracking [security line] waiting times, [so] we would identify them [in] that way,” said the spokesperson.
The TSA website and app went offline on Feb. 17 — and “will not be updated until after the funds are released,” the TSA said on the site. (Mark Felix/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport in Louisiana advised passengers to arrive at the airport three hours early Sunday morning via social media.
In Houston, Texas, William Hobby Airport said on its website that travelers should “plan to arrive 4 hours before their scheduled departure to allow additional time for TSA security checks.”
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For passengers who need special assistance, TSA Cares Assistance is still available.
Passengers must complete the form at least 72 hours before the flight.
Airports are advising travelers to arrive 3-4 hours early as the DHS closure is causing significant delays. (Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)
If a special assistance passenger’s flight is within 72 hours, that person should call (855) 787-2227 — the TSA Cares helpline — to request assistance.
Those who require assistance on the plane or wheelchair assistance from the terminal to the plane should contact their airline.
The TSA advises passengers to arrive “as soon as possible” to avoid missing their flights.
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“As issues arise, TSA will review each case and make appropriate operational adjustments,” the spokesperson said.
Airport wait times are expected to increase as the shutdown continues — leaving TSA officials in a tough spot.
The TSA advises passengers to arrive “as soon as possible” to avoid missing their flights. (Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)
JetBlue issued a travel advisory Thursday, writing that “the closure may result in longer wait times for TSA security screening, including for TSA PreCheck customers.”
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The airline said, “We recommend that you arrive at least 3 hours before your scheduled departure time for domestic flights, and at least 4 hours for international flights, to avoid problems with your flight.”
“We won’t be able to answer questions until the spending is done.”
Lauren Bis, DHS deputy assistant secretary for public affairs, previously told Fox News Digital that the delay is a “fatal mistake” for the “Democrat shutdown” of DHS.
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“Today, travelers are facing TSA lines nearly 3 hours long at some of the major airlines, causing missed flights and significant delays during peak travel,” Bis said in a statement.
“These political events are forcing patriotic TSA officers, who protect the skies from major threats, to work without pay,” he said.
The TSA also states on its current site, “The information on this website may not be up to date. Jobs submitted through this website may not be processed, and we will not be able to respond to questions until after the budget is made.”
