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Flights Are Being Cut at 40 Major Airports - 13 TSA Tips To Avoid Delays

Get through security checkpoints faster with these proven strategies.

By Maddie McElhenny
and Calista Headrick

Edited by Sara Albertelli

Updated Nov. 20, 2025

As the longest government shutdown in history continues, 40 major airports are set to see flight cuts. On Wednesday, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that starting Friday morning, airports across the country will see flight capacity reduced by 10%, which could affect approximately 3,500 to 4,000 flights daily.

Although the exact airports affected are not yet known, travelers preparing for the holiday season can expect delays and cancellations. This comes as the FAA deals with a shortage of air traffic controllers, who are currently working without pay.

The good news? A little planning can go a long way before you travel. These 13 TSA tips will help you breeze through airport security amid the government shutdown so you can avoid delays and reach your destination safely.

Ensure the name on your ticket matches that on your ID

Efficiently navigating TSA security begins with booking your ticket. For security reasons, the name on your airline ticket must exactly match the one on your government-issued identification. One exception to the rule is the use of suffixes, like "Jr." or "Sr."

Before travel day, double-check your booking confirmation and ID to ensure your names match. If you see a discrepancy, check your airline's policy, as many allow minor corrections if requested early.

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Review which food items you can bring

Bringing your own food is a smart way to keep up your energy and avoid purchasing expensive meals and snacks at the airport. Be sure you know which food items are allowed through the security checkpoint.

The rule of thumb is that anything solid (such as sandwiches, granola bars, and packaged snacks) is generally okay, whereas anything liquid or gel (including anything spreadable, squeezable, or spoonable) is not. Check TSA's "What Can I Bring?" tool before you pack to save time and money on travel day.

Enroll in TSA PreCheck and/or CLEAR+

PreCheck and CLEAR+ are two membership programs that help you move through physical security and ID verification faster. PreCheck is run by TSA and allows you to use a separate line. You may also keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on, and liquids and electronics in your bag. About 99% of passengers enrolled in TSA PreCheck are screened within just 10 minutes.

CLEAR+ is a private program that helps you bypass the ID check line with a biometric verification (face, fingers, or eye). There are over 150 CLEAR+ lanes at 60 airports nationwide. Interested passengers can enroll in CLEAR+ online or at a nearby airport. You can also bundle your membership with PreCheck.

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Ask to use PreCheck's benefits if you're over 75 (no enrollment required)

Even without enrollment in PreCheck, travelers aged 75 years and older may still be eligible to receive benefits that expedite airport security. While it's not guaranteed, you may be able to go through the PreCheck line or keep your shoes on in the regular line to pass through faster.

Download the MyTSA app for real-time updates

The MyTSA app is your go-to source for questions, from real-time security wait times and airport delays to last-minute packing. Download the app to check for flight delays, terminal closures, and TSA PreCheck availability.

Choose the left security line

The left security line is your best bet to get through security faster. This is because when given a choice, most people intuitively opt for the right lane, since 85 to 90% are right-handed and follow their dominant hand. Instead of automatically following the people in front of you, consider heading left.

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Have all documents ready to present

You'll need your government-issued ID and boarding pass to clear airport security and board your flight. Ensure you have these documents ready to present as you approach the TSA officer. If you're planning to use a state-issued driver's license, make sure it is REAL ID-compliant to avoid delays.

Follow the 3-1-1 rule

Pack your carry-on bag according to TSA's 3-1-1 rule: any liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes must be 3.4 ounces or less; all must fit in one quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; and each passenger is allowed one bag.

Keep your plastic bag at the top of your carry-on and place it in the security bin separately at the checkpoint.

Leave medications in their original bottles

If you're traveling with prescription medical liquids and/or medications larger than 3.4 ounces, carry them in the original labeled packaging. Consider bringing a doctor's certificate in case of additional screening.

If you wear an insulin pump, glucose monitor, or other medical device on your body, you should also let the TSA officer know.

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Wear slip-on shoes and leave metal accessories at home

The clothes you wear on travel day can help reduce your wait time in the security line. Choose slip-on shoes and avoid boots or shoes with thick soles or heavy hardware that can trigger metal detectors. The same applies to clothing with metal buttons or belt buckles.

Empty your pockets and place contents in your bag

All of your pockets must be empty when you pass through a security checkpoint. Even a tissue or a coin can trigger additional screening. Use your time waiting in the security line to remove all items from your pockets and place them into your carry-on bag before reaching the bins.

Have large electronics in your carry-on bag ready for inspection

Computers, tablets, e-readers, and other personal electronic devices larger than your cell phone must be placed individually in a separate bin for X-ray screening. To avoid scrambling to find them, keep all electronics at the top or in an outer compartment of your bag.

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Use a TSA-approved lock or no lock at all on checked bags

TSA screens about 1.3 million checked bags each day. This screening may include a physical search of your bag.

If your luggage is locked, use a TSA-approved lock so that TSA agents can open it with a master key during screening. You may avoid damage to your bag and delays to your schedule.

Bottom line

Travel days during the government shutdown don't have to feel overwhelming. With these 13 tried-and-true strategies, you can clear airport security screening faster and easier, turning a frustrating part of flying into a stress-free part of the journey.

If you have a disability, medical condition, or unique travel need, TSA Cares offers personalized assistance. Call their toll-free hotline at (855) 787-2227 at least 72 hours before your flight to coordinate support to make your experience smoother and more accommodating. And while you're preparing for a more seamless journey, don't forget to bring your top travel credit cards to maximize rewards on every purchase along the way.

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