ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Passengers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport faced hours-long delays Friday morning as lines at security checkpoints stretched through parts of the terminal, causing frustration and missed flights.

Some travelers are calling on the federal government to reopen, and pay TSA workers who have been without pay since Feb. 14.

“Just to hold them hostage, because a politician can’t make up their mind is absolutely ludicrous to me,” traveler Sonya Taylor said. “We have to pay our employees and not let them be in the middle of this mess.”

Traveler Stephanie Newton shared similar thoughts.

“The government needs to get its, um... insert an acceptable word, but it needs to get it together and pay these people,” Newton said.

Travelers reported waiting more than two hours to get through TSA checkpoints at the world’s busiest airport. The lines at times wrapped around baggage claim areas, creating congestion and confusion for passengers trying to make their flights.

“Anybody that works should get their paycheck. And it’s making everybody suffer,” Taylor said.

Delta CEO Ed Bastian weighed in Friday morning on CNBC, calling it “inexcusable” that TSA officers are being used as “political chips.”

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: TSA callout rate reaches nearly 40% at Atlanta airport as partial shutdown continues

“It’s insane. Boy, are they really long,” one traveler, Carlos, said of the lines, adding with a laugh, “Boy, that’s bad and long.”

Despite arriving early, some passengers still missed their departures. One traveler said he arrived at the airport three hours before his scheduled flight but was unable to get through security in time.

The delays come as a partial government shutdown continues, leading to a shortage of TSA workers and slowing operations at airport checkpoints nationwide. Nearly 40% of TSA agents called out at Hartsfield-Jackson on Thursday alone, according to airport officials.

Even with the long waits, many travelers tried to keep their spirits up.

“We are headed to Houston,” said James, who was traveling for his grandchild’s birthday. “We’ve got to get there.”

Airport officials have not released specific wait times but continue to encourage passengers to arrive well in advance of their flights as staffing challenges persist.

Click here to view live TSA wait times at Hartsfield-Jackson.

Copyright 2026 WANF. All rights reserved.