TSA workers have begun receiving paychecks after weeks without pay during the federal shutdown, a development that is already easing long lines at Houston’s largest airport.

TSA security lines at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport, which were extremely long earlier in the week due to the government shutdown and unpaid agents, shortened dramatically over the weekend.

President Trump has signed an emergency executive order to temporarily pay TSA workers amid a federal shutdown, aiming to alleviate staffing shortages and long airport security lines in Houston and nationwide.

With TSA wait times at Bush Airport in Houston stretching beyond 4+ hours at times, it’s sparked some entrepreneurs or less-stressed travelers to cash in on the crisis.

President Trump announced he will sign an emergency order instructing the Secretary of Homeland Security to immediately pay TSA workers amid an ongoing partial government shutdown.

As the TSA shutdown eclipses the 40 days mark, security screening lines are reaching 4+ hours at Houston’s airports. There’s a lot of questions.

Long security lines and widespread TSA staffing shortages at airports across the country are raising concerns about potential security vulnerabilities, according to a former top federal aviation official.

ICE officers are now assisting TSA agents screen passengers as callouts from TSA officers continue to rise during the ongoing government shutdown.

Travelers flying out of Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport on Thursday are being warned to prepare for extremely long security lines, with wait times that could reach four hours or more as passenger demand increases and federal staffing shortages continue to impact TSA operations.

Additional TSA deployment officers are opening limited screening lanes at Bush Airport, while ICE officers assist with crowd control as shutdown-related staffing shortages continue to impact wait times.

Travelers flying out of Houston should plan to arrive hours earlier than usual as long TSA lines continue, with experts warning there is no quick fix to avoid delays.

As the partial federal government shutdown stretches into its 40th day, the Houston Police Officers’ Union is reaching out to TSA employees at Houston-area airports, highlighting career opportunities at the Houston Police Department.

Federal officials have confirmed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are now operating inside U.S. airports to support security operations as staffing shortages continue to impact screening lines.

Passengers traveling through George Bush Intercontinental Airport are facing extended security wait times this week, with some reporting delays of more than four hours as staffing challenges impact screening operations.

TSA agents in Houston are going without pay as the partial government shutdown continues. We reached out to local lawmakers to see what they’re doing to fund DHS and whether they’ll forgo their own pay.

Travel headaches are growing at Houston airports as the government shutdown drags on, and TSA workers warn the situation is nearing a breaking point.

For years members of Congress and their staff had special privileges at airports, allowing them to quickly skip TSA screening lines.

Members of Congress who typically get special accommodations at airports won’t get that same service on one major airline during the ongoing TSA partial government shutdown.

The list of reasons why air travel can be stressful has grown as long as the security lines at some U.S. airports.

Travelers at Bush Airport are facing hours-long TSA lines and missed flights — even with ICE agents on site. A former TSA administrator explains why wait times aren’t improving.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are now working alongside TSA officers at Houston-area airports, but exactly what they’re doing—and how much authority they have—remains unclear.

Congressman Christian Menefee is calling on Republican leaders to end the ongoing federal government shutdown, citing major disruptions at airports and growing strain on federal workers.

After TSA security lines at major airports reached an all-time high, the Trump administration deployed ICE agents to help airlines and passengers.

Staffing shortages tied to the ongoing federal government shutdown are impacting airport security operations nationwide, including at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, where absentee rates among screeners are among the highest in the country.

Travelers heading to the airport may soon notice a larger federal presence inside terminals, as immigration officers are being deployed to help with security staffing shortages across the country.

If you’re flying out of Houston this morning, airport security lines are moving, but there’s a new issue travelers may want to keep on their radar: the possibility of ICE agents taking on a larger role inside U.S. airports.

Travelers flying out of George Bush Intercontinental Airport should be prepared for long security lines again on Friday as the partial government shutdown continues to impact TSA staffing levels.

As the partial government shutdown stretches on, thousands of federal employees across the country continue to report to work without pay.

As the partial government shutdown continues to impact airports across the country, TSA officers in Houston are feeling the financial strain, and local businesses are stepping in to help.

As area airports have struggled with long wait times to get through security, we are taking a look at wait times at Houston airports this Wednesday.

Airline CEOs are urging Congress to address the impact of the government shutdown, which has left TSA workers unpaid, leading to significant airport delays. With TSA officers receiving no paychecks and increased absenteeism, security lines are lengthening, and airlines are struggling to manage the situation during peak travel periods. The CEOs emphasize the urgency of the issue, advocating for legislative solutions to ensure aviation personnel are compensated during shutdowns, warning that without action, travel disruptions will persist.

A surge in jet fuel prices, driven by geopolitical tensions in Iran, is exerting financial pressure on airlines, potentially leading to fewer flights and higher ticket prices. Deutsche Bank reports that low-cost carriers may struggle more than full-service airlines due to their reliance on price-sensitive travelers. Concurrently, staffing disruptions at airports, exacerbated by a Department of Homeland Security funding lapse, are causing significant delays, especially as airlines anticipate a record 171 million travelers during the spring season. The combined effects of rising fuel costs and federal staffing issues may impact travel plans and costs, notably for Houston-area travelers on long-haul and international routes.

More than half of the TSA agents scheduled to work at Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) on Saturday didn’t show up for work.

One month into the Department of Homeland Security shutdown, Houston's airports face significant strain, with lengthy TSA lines amid the spring break travel surge. Over 300 TSA employees have quit due to the shutdown, exacerbating delays as workers, deemed essential, continue without full pay. This situation arose after funding expired on February 13 due to political clashes over immigration policies, impacting travelers nationwide. Passengers are advised to arrive at airports earlier to navigate the increased congestion.

A recent security scare at Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport is raising new concerns about airport safety as the federal government shutdown continues to strain the nation’s airport security workforce.

The federal government shutdown is now entering its second week, and airport security is already feeling the strain.

A taser was discovered aboard a Southwest Airlines plane at Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport, prompting passengers to be removed and re screened before departure.

Some of the nation’s busiest airports saw hourslong security lines this weekend, as the partial government shutdown begins to hit air travel.

As spring break travel ramps up across Houston, some passengers flying out of William P. Hobby Airport are facing unusually long waits to get through security.

Travelers at IAH and Hobby Airport should expect long security lines due to TSA staffing shortages. Arriving early and being prepared can help you breeze through security and stay on schedule.

The Spring Break travel rush at William P. Hobby Airport is experiencing significant delays due to rainy weather and a TSA staffing shortage caused by a partial government shutdown. Travelers are advised to arrive early as long wait times of up to two hours have been reported, with PreCheck services closed and only CLEAR lanes operational. Airport officials emphasize flexibility as security operations could vary daily.

The federal government shutdown has led to longer wait times at Houston's William P. Hobby Airport due to a staff shortage at the TSA, exacerbated by employees working without pay. The shutdown began on February 14 following a funding impasse for the Department of Homeland Security, affecting agencies like ICE and FEMA, with no clear end in sight.

La suspensión de los programas TSA PreCheck y Global Entry debido al cierre parcial del gobierno federal está afectando a los viajeros aéreos en Houston, provocando filas más largas en seguridad y en aduanas. El cierre comenzó después de que los legisladores no lograran ponerse de acuerdo sobre un plan de financiación para el Departamento de Seguridad Nacional de Estados Unidos, en medio de disputas sobre las políticas de aplicación de las leyes de inmigración.

The suspension of TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs due to a partial federal government shutdown is impacting air travelers in Houston, leading to longer security and customs lines. The shutdown began after lawmakers failed to agree on a funding deal for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, amid disputes over immigration enforcement policies.

As Washington faces another deadline to fund the Department of Homeland Security, thousands of federal workers—including TSA agents in Houston—could go without pay if a deal isn’t reached by 11 CT PM tonight.

TSA will begin a $45 ConfirmID option Feb. 1, allowing travelers without a REAL ID to fly after completing additional identity verification.

The Houston Airports System says TSA security lanes at Terminal C at Bush Intercontinental Airport will reopen Wednesday.

TSA workers who went above and beyond during the 43-day government shutdown will receive $10,000 bonus checks, recognizing their dedication to keeping airports safe and operations running smoothly.

Lori Newman, a Tomball homeowner battling terminal breast cancer, was worried she wouldn’t make it from Tennessee to Houston for critical scans at MD Anderson because of travel delays tied to the government shutdown. After days of uncertainty, she made it back safely, just in time for her appointment, and says the experience renewed her hope to keep fighting.

If you have a flight coming up soon, here are some websites to check and make sure your flight hasn't been delayed or canceled.

Travelers flying out of Houston's airports this weekend should prepare for possible delays due to the ongoing government shutdown, which has led the FAA to reduce air traffic by 10% in major markets, including Houston.

Travelers at IAH and Hobby Airport should expect long security lines due to TSA staffing shortages. Arriving early and being prepared can help you breeze through security and stay on schedule.

If you're flying out of Bush Intercontinental or Hobby airports, be prepared for longer TSA wait times due to the ongoing government shutdown.

Lines for TSA screening at Bush Intercontinental Airport were seen coming out of the building Sunday.

When the government shutdown left one Houston TSA employee unable to pay rent, he faced an uncertain future — packing his belongings and preparing to move into a shelter.

At Bush Intercontinental Airport, only TSA checkpoints at Terminals A and E will be open for passengers, beginning at 4 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1.

Nearly a month into the ongoing government shutdown, nearly a million federal employees — including TSA agents and air traffic controllers — are still showing up to work without pay.

The government shutdown is being felt inside Houston’s airports, where Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees continue screening passengers without pay.

The FAA has updated its policy to prohibit cordless curling irons and flat irons with butane or gas cartridges from checked luggage due to fire risks in airplane cargo holds.

The United States will deploy biometric technologies with Chile to control migration and disrupt criminal networks, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem suggests changes to the amount of liquids travelers can carry on planes may be coming.

Most airports around the United States operated smoothly as new REAL ID requirements took effect because travelers without the updated document were still allowed to move through security easily.

DEADLINE APPROACHING: If you’re traveling for the summer, you might want to make sure your information is REAL ID compliant by May 7!

George Bush Intercontinental Airport is back in full swing after Tuesday’s winter storm caused a city-wide shutdown of air travel.

Do you know if your ID or driver’s license is a REAL ID?

Flying through Houston this holiday season? You'll love the new changes at William P. Hobby Airport!

Whether you’re checking in a 50-pound suitcase or relying on a carry-on, packing smart is key. Here’s a guide to help you get through TSA security efficiently.

Walking into the TSA screening machine and raising your hands is part of the travel ritual. But did you know your bag goes through a more advanced screening?

Reporter Gage Goulding gets exclusive behind-the-scenes access to see how TSA ensures luggage is safe to load onto an aircraft

Packing for your next trip? Ensure a smooth journey by knowing what to pack in your carry-on versus your checked luggage.

Governor Greg Abbott announced FEMA has approved the state’s request for Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) for 17 counties impacted by Hurricane Beryl.

Houston’s airports are on pace for a year that will go down in the record books.

If you are planning to bring a gun with you, there are some rules that it is imperative you know.

Just when you thought technology couldn’t advance anymore....

Passengers traveling with a firearm must properly pack it in checked baggage and declare to the airline

Travel like a pro! Find out what you should pack in a carry-on, how to navigate through those TSA lines, and how to stay cool during long delays.

Ahead of the busy summer travel season, the Transportation Security Administration announced a benefit Monday for TSA PreCheck membership.

It seems like TSA agents can’t catch a break during bag checks at the airport. From cats, dogs, raw chicken -- and now, snakes?

It’s amazing what people try to bring through their luggage or on their person through airports.

A bald eagle apparently decided to “give his wings a break and fly commercial” this weekend with its handler from North Carolina.

Thunderstorms on the East Coast are causing travel headaches for tens of thousands of airline passengers.

The all-clear has been given at Dallas Love Field Airport after an officer shot a woman who began firing in a terminal Monday, according to Dallas police.

Both Houston-area airports, William P. Hobby Airport and George Bush Intercontinental Airport, have temporarily grounded all flights due to the storms in the area.

More than 10 major airline CEOs have signed a letter to President Joe Biden, asking him to remove the federal mask mandate inside planes and airports which was extended by TSA and the White House through April 18.

After the last couple years of living through a global pandemic, it seems as though most of us are itching to get in some good travel time.

We rounded up some of the strangest finds that the TSA and CBP documented in Texas in 2021.

It’s expected close to 2 million people will fly through Bush and Hobby airports for the Thanksgiving holiday. Safety is priority for airport, local and federal authorities.

Several airport workers are planning to protest over compensation ahead of holiday travel.

The Transportation Security Administration security administration is reporting a record number of firearms discovered at airports across the country this year.

Travelers who refuse to wear masks could now face up to $3,000 in fines.

We all know how the process works when you’re going to the airport: Check in, get your boarding passes, check luggage (if that’s what you’ve decided on) and then head to security to make your way to your gate.

It's going to be crowded at airports and on the road this Memorial Day weekend.

Security agents found crystal methamphetamine earlier this month stuffed inside a passenger’s breakfast burrito during a screening at Houston’s Hobby Airport, officials said.

March was hot in terms of air travel. In fact, over 1 million people were screened daily during the month of March across the U.S. by TSA. This was the first time airports saw these kinds of numbers since the pandemic and experts say, these numbers aren’t going down any time soon.

HOUSTON – The Transportation Security Administration said Friday that it has changed language in its face mask requirement to include specific fines -- which could range from $250 to $1,500 or more -- for people who refuse to wear a mask while traveling. Based on substantial aggravating or mitigating factors, TSA may seek a sanction amount that falls outside these ranges. TSA has provided transportation system operators specific guidance on how to report violations so that TSA may issue penalties to those who refuse to wear a face mask. The requirement extends to wearing masks in airports, bus and rail stations, as well as while on planes, public transportation, passenger railroads, and buses. Read more in the news release from TSA.

Delta, United and Alaska airlines said Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021 they will bar passengers flying to Washington from putting guns in checked bags. The moves follow the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump and politically tinged confrontations on some flights. American Airlines is bringing back a ban on serving alcohol on flights to and from the Washington area — flights go dry starting Saturday through next Thursday. Price also said that it is “a good idea” to prohibit passengers from putting guns in checked bags if they are flying to Washington. Federal law allows passengers to put guns in checked baggage if they are unloaded and in a locked, hard-sided case, although airlines have the discretion to ban guns.

GALVESTON, Texas – After a state-mandated tightening of coronavirus restrictions prompted businesses to close or reduce capacity in Brazoria and Galveston counties, leaders in both places are asking to be moved into the same trauma service area as Houston. Brazoria and Galveston counties are in Trauma Service Area R, while Harris County, where Houston is located, is in area Q.COVID-19 hospitalizations in area R have been at or above 15% for at least two weeks, while the rate has been inching higher to that mark in area Q. In their request, The judges cite their distance from the majority of counties in TSA R and their close proximity to TSA Q. “The spread of COVID-19 within TSA-Q impacts the residents and hospitals in Galveston County and Brazoria County significantly more than the spread of COVID-19 in TSA-R,” the judges wrote. There are two other Houston-area counties that are in area R -- Chambers and Liberty.

For example, something as simple as a water bottle or soda can, shampoo and hair product in quantities larger than 3.4 oz. What to bringThe 3.4 oz. Food: If you can spill it, spread it, or drink it - it is likely limited to 3.4 oz. Roadway construction on North Terminal Road will reduce the number of lanes leading to Terminal C arrivals. To avoid curbside pickups, family members or friends can park for free at the Terminal C Garage for the first hour.

HOUSTON – George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston is the 2020 Airport of the Year, according to the Transportation Security Administration. The TSA team in Houston consists of more than 1,100 employees, which includes TSA officers, inspectors, canine handlers, explosives experts, managers and program analysts. The award recognizes team achievements in key operations and mission support functions, such as measurable improvements, superior performance, notable innovation and significant operational improvements in support of TSA’s mission. “We are honored to be named TSA’s 2020 Airport of the year,” Houston Airports Director Mario Diaz said. “On behalf of the entire team at Bush Airport and the traveling public, I also congratulate the George Bush Intercontinental Airport TSA team for their invaluable commitment to safety and efficiency throughout this challenging year.

HOUSTON – The Transportation Security Administration at George Bush Intercontinental Airport found eight guns inside luggage over the course of a week, according to a news release. Those eight were part of 92 that have been found in 2020, meaning 11.5% of guns found at IAH were found in just a week, the release revealed. Here is a breakdown:9/20/2020: .40 loaded9/20/2020: 9mm loaded9/22/2020: .380 loaded9/23/2020: .380 loaded9/23/2020: .357 loaded9/24/2020: .380 unloaded9/24/2020: 9mm unloaded9/27/2020: 9mm loaded“Guns are prohibited in the cabins of airplanes. This law has been in place long before TSA existed,” said Juan Sanchez, TSA’s Federal Security Director for IAH. Go online to see the rules for transporting firearms.