Airport Lines Wind for Hours as Travelers Seek Rental Cars (1)

March 26, 2026, 7:44 PM UTC

Fliers across the US encountered some of the longest airport security lines since a partial government shutdown started in mid February, with travelers increasingly seeking out alternatives to planes such as rental cars and trains.

Social media showed passengers queuing outside Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport early Thursday morning with the facility’s website defaulting to a page advising flyers to arrive at least four hours early for screenings. In Baltimore, one of the security check points was closed, leading to long lines at others sites, the airport said on its website.

Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport warned the situation ...

Learn more about Bloomberg Government or Log In to keep reading:

See Breaking News in Context

Providing news, analysis, data and opportunity insights.

Already a subscriber?

Log in to keep reading or access research tools and resources.