Long TSA security lines at BWI Airport cause anxiety for travelers amid severe national officer shortages

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, Md. — Travelers at BWI Airport faced massive security lines and closed checkpoints Sunday afternoon, with some waiting over an hour despite online trackers showing much shorter wait times.

That difference caused Robert and Kris Hopkins to miss their flight home.

“It all got planned out based on the information we saw online about how much time it was going to take to be going through security," Kris Hopkins said. "And it was off by oh— two and a half three hours.”

The tracker was eventually removed from the website, which director of communications for BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport Jonathan Dean said was temporary "in order to ensure accuracy of the data and information provided to customers."

The airport has now urged travelers to arrive at least three hours before their flight is scheduled to depart.

WATCH LIVE: Long TSA line wait times

On Sunday, the TSA security line wrapped around the airport, with people sometimes forced to wait just outside the doors during the evening rush after spring break.

Both A and B security checkpoints as well as TSA PreCheck lines were closed. Clear was still operating.

Some travelers planned to expect back-ups, but were worried it wasn't enough.

“Insanity," Ruth Hammond said. "I thought 3 hours would be safe and now I’m very much kind of concerned that I’m actually going to make my flight."

“Out of the fear I actually bought a second flight a little later, just to make sure I have the greatest chance as possible of flying outbound because they’re not certain how long it’ll take," Melanie Ferraro said.

The Department of Homeland Security said 400 TSA officers have quit, and thousands more have continued to call out sick.

To alleviate the long lines, the Trump Administration announced ICE agents will be deployed to specific airports.

A statement shared with WMAR-2 News from Lauren Bis, DHS acting assistant secretary for public affairs, did not specify locations.

See statement below:

“Because of the Democrat shutdown, President Trump is using every tool available to help American travelers who are facing hours long lines at airports across the country—especially during this spring break and holiday season that is very important for many American families. This pointless, reckless shutdown of our homeland security workforce has caused more than 400 TSA officers to quit and thousands to call out from work because they are not able to afford gas, childcare, food, or rent. While the Democrats continue to put the safety, dependability, and ease of our air travel at risk, President Trump is taking action to deploy hundreds of ICE officers, that are currently funded by Congress, to airports being adversely impacted. This will help bolster TSA efforts to keep our skies safe and minimize air travel disruptions.”

Travelers were asked how they feel about the potential deployment of ICE agents, and reactions were a mixed bag.

"I would be concerned about it. I don't like having a police presence like that in a public environment," Hopkins said. "I think if we can manage without it, that's fine. But just get the word out that people have to be here four hours ahead of time."

“I had heard that they’re just going to help with the lines. I’m hoping that they’ll be trained, I mean I can’t believe they can’t be trained quickly and operate as TSA agents," Jody Kibler said. "I think it's remarkable the agents who've shown up to work."

The staffing shortages are only expected to get worse, as Friday would mark the second missed paycheck for TSA staff.

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