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.

NEWARK, New Jersey For a bride, the most important thing on her wedding day, besides the groom, is her wedding dress. Narolin Cepeda nearly didnt have hers for her big day earlier this month after her mother accidentally forgot it while rushing to catch a plane at Newark Airport. Her younger brother, whos a physicians assistant, immediately emailed TSA but got an automatic reply that said responses take five days. Fortunately, a TSA administrative assistant saw the email, went looking for the luggage and sent it overnight express to Ohio. The TSA worker said she put herself in the brides shoes and could only imagine how stressful it would be to find out her dress got lost the day before the wedding.

HOUSTON – In addition to TSA agents, travelers will now be greeted by Texas state troopers at Houston airports once they land. This move is part of Governor Greg Abbott's executive order to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the state. Cummings said travelers coming from those specific areas are required to fill out a form handed out by troopers. Travelers must provide their name, phone number, date of birth, license number, flight information, and a home address for a random follow up by a state trooper. The form is located on the Texas Department of Public Safety's website.

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) officials said today that TSA checkpoints at Terminal B will close on Sunday evening and remain closed until further notice. Passengers will have to use TSA checkpoints at Terminal A or C to get to Terminal B through the IAH Skyway or subway. Also, the two TSA checkpoints at Terminal A will be consolidated to the south location. At Terminal A North, the checkpoint will only be staffed with TSA personnel for the exit only. Airport employees will direct travelers away from the north checkpoint and direct them to the south checkpoint location.

HOUSTON – George Bush Intercontinental Airport is among the top five airports where Transportation Security Administration officers found the most guns in 2019. IAH officers detected 138 guns in carry-on bags or on passengers last year, authorities announced Wednesday. NEWS: TSA officers caught more firearms at checkpoints nationwide in 2019 than ever before in the agency’s 18-year history. Read the full press release: https://t.co/n3Zqyfpcnx pic.twitter.com/Qejm69lzwy — TSA (@TSA) January 15, 2020The IAH information was part of a news release that also announced that TSA officers found more firearms at checkpoints nationwide in 2019 than ever before in the agency’s 18-year history. The top five airports where TSA officers detected guns at checkpoints in 2019 were:1.