Think it’s been a tough year for travelers? Imagine being a TSA agent.

Multiple government shutdowns resulted in the Transportation Security Administration being unfunded for more than half of the 2026 fiscal year. Without a regular paycheck, many TSA workers called out of work and hundreds quit entirely.¹ Some airports have seen epic 5+ hour security lines.

Can you still fly when the government is shut down? Yes, but you’ll have to contend with airport delays, extra-long security lines, and other obstacles. Here are our best tips for avoiding airport delays and getting through security faster.

Plan in advance to save time at the airport

• Leaving your car? Reserve parking early.
• Checking a bag? Pay the fees in advance.
• Maybe don’t check a bag. Bag check typically opens 3-4 hours before a flight. If TSA lines are very long, you may not be able to drop off your suitcase and make it through security in time for departure.
• Sign up for flight notifications by text. That way, you don’t have to waste time waiting if your flight is delayed.
• Ask to fly standby. If you get to the airport early and breeze through security, ask your airline if you can be placed on the standby list for an earlier flight.

Enroll in an expedited-security program

• TSA PreCheck is a five-year membership that gives you access to dedicated screening lanes and streamlined processing. Approval typically takes 3-5 days.
• Global Entry is a trusted traveler program that includes PreCheck as well as faster processing at the U.S. border. Approval typically takes about two weeks, but it may take several months if you need extra screening.
• Clear is a private company that verifies your identity with biometrics, speeding up security screening. Enrollment can be done at the airport and usually takes just a few minutes.

Download essential travel apps

 Allyz®: Organize itineraries, get flight alerts, access your Allianz Travel Insurance plan, and much more.

MyTSA: Wondering which airports are experiencing the worst delays? The free MyTSA app shows live TSA wait times as well as predictions for how busy an airport will be on a given day.

Mobile Passport Control: This free app can help you and your group pass through Customs faster when you return to the U.S. from overseas.

Global Entry: Reduce passport control inspection time and overall wait time by submitting your travel documents and photo. (Trusted Travelers only)

Have the right ID for your flight

Real ID is the secure state ID that’s now required for travelers 18 and up on domestic flights. You can also use another accepted ID, such as a passport or military ID.

TSA ConfirmID is a paid service that can confirm your identity if you don’t have a valid ID. Pay $45 in advance, and the TSA will attempt to verify your identity when you’re at the airport. Success is not guaranteed, however.

Touchless ID is a new service available at some airports that uses facial recognition technology to quickly confirm your identity. To use Touchless ID, you need:

• An active airline profile with a participating airline
• An active TSA PreCheck account
• Valid passport information uploaded to your airline profile

You still need to carry a physical, Real ID-compliant ID.

Digital ID (or Mobile ID) is now accepted at 250+ U.S. airports. Add your state-issued ID card to your phone using a TSA-approved app or your digital wallet. Check participating states and apps first, and always carry a physical ID as well.

A passport is required for international flights.

Tips for getting through airport security faster

Check every pocket. Feel inside every zippered compartment of your luggage, no matter how small.  Make sure there are no forgotten items in your jacket pockets, purse, computer bag, or backpack.

Don’t pack prohibited items. Corkscrews with an included blade, nail scissors, and utility tools all may be flagged and confiscated by TSA.

Ditch your drinks. The 3.4 oz./100 mL limit on liquids is still in effect. You can’t bring full-sized beverages through security, even if they’re sealed. Exceptions include medication, medically necessary liquids, infant formula and breast milk, and other foods and drinks for babies and toddlers.

If you have an item that looks suspicious, take it out of your bag. Carrying an unusual electronic device, or something that looks like a liquid (such as a candle in a jar)? Save time by pulling it out for inspection.

Ask for accommodations in advance. If you need assistance getting through security, request the help of a TSA Passenger Support Specialist at least 72 hours before departure. This specialist can help if you or your child has a disability, a medical condition, religious restrictions, communication challenges, or other special needs.

Read more: The Best Tips for Breezing Through Airport Security

How travel insurance can help with airport delays

Trip insurance is your best defense against travel chaos—but it doesn’t cover everything.

Allianz Travel Insurance plans do not cover losses due to TSA staffing shortages. If, for example, you miss your flight because the security line at the airport was long, that’s not a covered reason for trip cancellation, interruption, or delay.

Allianz Travel Insurance plans do not cover losses caused by known events. Travel insurance protects against the unexpected—not events that have already occurred or are easily foreseen at the time that you purchase your plan. Check our Coverage Alerts to learn about the latest known events.

Allianz Travel Insurance plans can reimburse losses caused by covered travel delays. A covered delay is a delay of a certain length that’s caused by one of the covered reasons mentioned in your plan. (Benefits vary by plan; read your plan documents for details and exclusions). For example:

• If your plan includes trip delay benefits, you may be reimbursed for eligible expenses (such as meals and hotel stays) during a qualifying delay. The delay must be due to a covered reason, such as a travel carrier delay.

• Travel delays can also be a covered reason for trip cancellation or interruption. If your travel carrier can’t get you to your destination for at least 24 consecutive hours from the originally scheduled arrival time due to a covered reason—such as a natural disaster, severe weather, or a strike—that may be a covered reason for cancelling your trip. And if you miss at least 50% of the length of your trip because of a covered reason, you may be able to file a claim for trip interruption.

Read more: Travel Delay Insurance: Covered Reasons Explained

Haven’t bought insurance for your next trip? Don’t wait a minute longer. Get a quote from Allianz Partners, the travel insurance provider trusted by more than 59 million American travelers.

Related Articles

• How to Decide When to Fly vs. When to Drive
• How to Deal with Long Flight Delays (and When to Cancel Your Trip)
• How to Make the Most of a Long Airport Layover