MSY travelers endure long TSA delays amid government shutdown

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — According to Erin Burns with the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, TSA security screening has seen dramatic delays since the government shutdown.

Passengers are recommended to arrive about two to three hours early to make up for lost time. Some are arriving even sooner.

“We set off at 2:00 from, you know, in New Orleans, and we’re here, and I think our flight starts at 7:55, so we’re hours early,” traveler Andrew Simpson said.

Along with TSA delays, multiple airports around the country are experiencing major flight cancellations.

While New Orleans hasn’t been affected that drastically yet, many who arrived at the airport on Tuesday still fear their flight could be next.

“Oh, it’s very stressful. We keep checking, you know, Delta alerts, and we’re so thankful it says on time. We haven’t seen any other changes, but we’re not sure,” traveler Melinda Gilbert said.

Passengers say their fears don’t end when they get up in the air because there could always be cancellations of connecting flights at other airports.

“We’re not sure if our next, layover is going to, you know, caused a delay that’s going to be in Atlanta, and then we’re not even sure if we’re going to be able to come back,” Gilbert said.

Until the government reopens, the thought of not making it to their destination will likely stay on many travelers’ minds.

“Fingers crossed. Yes. We’re we’re planning on it,” Simpson said.

“I’m very hopeful. I’m going to pray. Yes,” Gilbert said.

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