Travel Disruptions After Storms
ATLANTA — On Tuesday, hundreds of flights faced cancellations or delays as strong storms hit the eastern half of the U.S., causing significant travel disruptions in various cities. With a partial government shutdown affecting TSA staffing, airport security checkpoints are also experiencing increased congestion.
This situation adds to the challenges of air travel, particularly as the shutdown—initiated on February 14—has strained resources at many security checkpoints.
In addition, airports are busier than usual with spring break travelers and fans attending March Madness, the NCAA basketball tournaments.
As of Tuesday morning, nearly 900 flights to, from, and within the U.S. were canceled, while about 1,800 were delayed, as reported by flight tracking service FlightAware.
Major airports, including those in New York, Chicago, and Atlanta, saw significant delays and cancellations on Monday.
The National Weather Service noted that the storm, which brought heavy snow to the Midwest, was moving eastward, with wind gusts reaching nearly 50 miles per hour in parts of New York.
Kelly Price, returning to Colorado from a family trip in Orlando, said her flight was only canceled early Monday morning. “By the time we found out, we could only sleep on the airport floor. It was exhausting,” she shared, mentioning that their next available flight wasn’t until Tuesday afternoon.
Impact on Major Airport Hubs
Monday’s flight cancellations affected approximately 600 passengers at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, over 470 at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, and more than 450 at LaGuardia Airport in New York, according to FlightAware.
Due to the bad weather, the Federal Aviation Administration implemented ground stops at both Hartsfield-Jackson and Charlotte Douglas International Airports, alongside ground delays at JFK and Newark Liberty International Airports.
Danielle Cash found herself stuck in St. Louis after a weekend trip to Las Vegas. “I’m now paying hundreds more for a hotel I hadn’t planned on, and I didn’t pack for this weather,” she said, recalling how warm it was back in Tampa and in the desert.
Currently, she’s booking a flight to Tennessee and a connection back to Tampa to get home by Tuesday afternoon.
Strain on TSA Staffing
The storm coincided with a weekend where airport security screeners received partial pay for the first time. The ongoing government shutdown only affects the Department of Homeland Security, which governs the TSA.
Democrats in Congress have stated that funding for the Department of Homeland Security won’t be available until new immigration policies are implemented, following recent tragic incidents.
This is the third shutdown in under a year affecting TSA workers, many of whom are temporarily working without pay. Once the government reopens, they will need to wait for back pay.
Long security lines have been reported at certain airports due to the staffing shortages, with some TSA agents taking on second jobs or even leaving the agency altogether. Reports indicate that over 300 TSA employees have resigned since the shutdown commenced.
Longer Wait Times Anticipated
TSA union leaders in Atlanta held a news conference, cautioning travelers that wait times could increase if the shutdown continues. However, many officers are still showing up for work despite the financial burden.
Aaron Barker, a local union representative, noted that many TSA agents are grappling with financial issues, including eviction notices and empty refrigerators. Protest signs displayed during the conference echoed the sentiment: “We want a paycheck, not a rainy day.”
Louis Armstrong International Airport notified travelers departing New Orleans to arrive at least three hours early, a consequence of the government shutdown. Similarly, Austin’s airport shared a video showing long security lines stretching outside.
In Atlanta, Mel Stewart and his wife made it to the airport four hours prior to their flight to avoid the long TSA lines. “This shutdown is too politicized. It’s ridiculous that TSA agents are working hard without pay,” Stewart said.
