Tracking TSA wait times at JFK, LGA, EWR amid DHS gridlock
NEW YORK - Travelers at New York City area airports are preparing for a busy weekend as the first day of spring arrives, with some reporting long security lines at major hubs.
What we know:
On Friday morning, several travelers took to social media to report significant wait times at LaGuardia Airport.
One post on X described "massive TSA security lines" stretching outside the terminal, though officials have not confirmed widespread disruptions.
(Photo by ELIJAH NOUVELAGE/AFP via Getty Images)
The backstory:
The travel rush comes as a partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security continues, raising concerns about potential delays at airports nationwide. Transportation Security Administration officers are continuing to work without pay as negotiations in Washington remain at a standstill.
Travelers wait at a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in Newark, New Jersey, US, Photographer: Victor J. Blue/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Lawmakers remain at odds in Washington over funding for DHS, with Senate Democrats sending a counteroffer to the White House in an effort to reopen the agency and ease disruptions at airports nationwide. The Trump administration outlined its own proposal earlier this week, but negotiations remain stalled.
The ongoing funding lapse has raised concerns about airport operations, as Transportation Security Administration officers continue working without pay.
FOX 5 NY is tracking TSA wait times across the region. As of Friday morning, wait times remained over 20 minutes at major airports.
LaGuardia Airport (New York)
20 minutes or more
Updated March 20 at 9:00 a.m. ET
John F. Kennedy International Airport (New York)
Up to 35 minutes
Updated March 20 at 9:00 a.m. ET
Newark Liberty International Airport (Newark, New Jersey)
Up to 68 minutes
Updated March 20 at 9:00 a.m. ET
Check the status of each airport below:
LaGuardia Airport status
- More information from FlightAware can be found here.
Newark Airport status
- More information from FlightAware can be found here.
JFK Airport status
- More information from FlightAware can be found here.
Officials warn delays could increase if the shutdown continues and staffing levels are affected.
Travelers are advised to arrive early and check for updates before heading to the airport.
The Source: This report is based on information from the airports listed and FlightAware.