general
Travelers Pay $34,000 to Charter Private Jets as TSA Delays Batter US Airports
A partial US government shutdown has slashed TSA staffing and produced record security wait times, prompting some travelers to spend roughly $34,000 to charter private jets to avoid the lines.
Mar 27th 2026 ยท United States
Insights
- A partial US government shutdown has cut TSA staffing and caused historic security checkpoint delays at airports.
- Passengers have reported wait times of up to four hours at some TSA checkpoints.
- Some travelers are chartering private jets for about $34,000 to bypass long security lines.
- Airport congestion and flight disruptions are spreading through US air travel and threatening wider economic effects.
- Legislative resistance in the US House has delayed passage of measures to end the shutdown and restore staffing.