Long TSA lines frustrate travelers as partial DHS shutdown strains airport security

For many air travelers this week, the longest part of the trip isn’t the flight — it’s the wait to get through airport security.

(NBC)- Across the country, passengers are facing long, slow-moving TSA lines as a partial Department of Homeland Security shutdown continues to impact staffing.

At Houston’s Hobby Airport, security lines stretched far beyond the main terminal, running down to baggage claim and even into the parking garage.

Airport officials warned travelers that TSA wait times could reach three hours or more. Some passengers tried to plan ahead for the delays.

“We tried to allow a little more than three hours to get here,” said traveler Lisa Mason.

But even that wasn’t enough for everyone.

“I’ve been waiting in line for about two hours now,” said traveler Denver Washington.

Others say there’s little to do but wait.

Similar scenes are playing out at airports across the country, including Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

The delays come after TSA funding expired three weeks ago when lawmakers failed to reach an agreement on immigration enforcement policies, triggering a partial Homeland Security shutdown.

The White House released a statement blaming Democrats for the shutdown and the resulting airport staffing shortages.

Airline industry leaders say travelers and aviation workers are being caught in the middle of a political standoff.

“Every time there’s a political battle over whatever the issue might be, they keep coming back to the airlines and, more importantly, the American traveler to kick around to have some sort of leverage,” said Chris Sununu, president and CEO of Airlines for America.

The situation is also affecting TSA officers directly.

During the last government shutdown, TSA agents missed three paychecks and then waited a month to receive back pay. This time, officers have already missed half a paycheck and are expected to miss another this week.

“Almost every single TSA officer lives paycheck to paycheck,” said Johnny Jones, a TSA officer and union leader. “We are here to serve the American people. We just ask that the elected officials in Congress do their job so we can do ours.”

Despite the delays and frustration, many travelers say they are trying to stay positive.