Since mid February, a partial federal government shutdown has affected airports across the country. With funding having lapsed, there are around 50,000 TSA officers that are working without paychecks. Furthermore, call-out rates have skyrocketed, resulting in massive shortages. While the national call-out rates are around 11.5%, Houston has faced a much hire brunt with absence rates as high as 47.4%.
Whether you’ve booked flights or are planning a trip out of Houston airports, find out more about the TSA situation and navigating your IAH flights below.
What is a call-out?
“Call-out” is the term used to describe an unscheduled absence of a TSA officer. As stated, the ongoing government shutdown has left many officers without paychecks for months. As a result of the financial burden, many officers have had to call-out – either due to an inability to afford the gas in their vehicles, the need to seek employment elsewhere, or otherwise.
What are call-out rates on average?
Per the Department of Homeland Security and the Houston Airport System, 2% is the standard call-out rate. Meaning just 1 of 50 officers would miss a shift on average. During the shutdown, that rate has surged a national average of 11.5%.
In Houston, however, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) has reported call-outs as high as 42.4% while William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) has reported as high as 47.4% – meaning as many as 1 in 2 TSA officers are calling out. This in turn, escalates a standard stretches a standard 20-minute check into an affair hours upon hours long.
How early do I need to arrive at Houston airport before flying?
Presently, Houston Airport system officials are urging passengers to show up at the airport at least four hours ahead of international flights, three hours for domestic flights.
What is the best way to navigate lines at IAH?
As of this past Sunday, Terminal E at IAH experienced the longest wait times – as long as four hours. Terminal D is presently closed. TSA PreCheck is only available in Terminal C – though that closes at 10:30 am. Before going to the airport, be sure to check TSA wait times via fly2houston.com.
If checking baggage at Terminal D in IAH, security screening is hosted at Terminal E.
