Overview
- By Tuesday morning, Bush Intercontinental’s security waits fell to roughly 30 minutes after reports of lines approaching three hours over the weekend and Monday.
- The airport said Monday’s posted 180-minute estimate was manually locked because lines stretched beyond sensors, and the website later showed about 15 minutes.
- Officials attributed the disruption to the federal shutdown forcing TSA officers to work without pay and warned waits could exceed 75 minutes at IAH and 30 minutes at Hobby.
- Checkpoint operations were adjusted Tuesday at IAH with only Terminals A and E open, and some United passengers were checking bags at Terminal C before screening at E.
- TSA did not answer local questions about staffing, and travel experts cautioned that long lines could return while the shutdown continues, with some airlines advising arrivals five to six hours early.