Flying out of JAX for Spring Break 2026? How long are TSA wait lines?
Transportation Security Administration agents check in passengers in Houston on March 10, 2026. Nearly a month into a partial government shutdown that leaves TSA agents unpaid, the lines at airport security are getting longer and longer. The wait times and pay changes are a result of a partial shutdown that began in mid-February after Congress failed to pass funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees TSA. Congressional Democrats say that after two U.S. citizens were shot dead by federal officers in Minneapolis, they need reforms cemented into law before agreeing to fund DHS, which also oversees immigration and border security officers.
As Spring Break travel ramps up in Northeast Florida, Jacksonville is bracing for a surge in passengers at Jacksonville International Airport (JAX). While nearly 50,000 TSA officers across the country continue working without pay amid the ongoing partial federal government shutdown, local impacts remain a concern for travelers.
According to Action News Jax, about 12,500 passengers are expected to depart from JAX each day during the busy spring break period — pushing airport traffic to peak levels and typically leading to longer security lines.
Due to high volume, TSA officials recommend travelers arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights to clear security
Though TSA officers nationwide have resigned or called in sick, operations in Jacksonville’s TSA line appear to be running smoothly compared to the rest of the nation.
Travelers flying out of Jacksonville International Airport are in luck this St. Patrick's Day, with TSA wait times staying under two minutes throughout the morning and as of 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 17.
Have TSA agents been paid?
Congress failed to pass funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), in mid‑February. On March 13, TSA officers missed their first full paycheck after receiving partial paychecks on Feb. 28.
TSA officers nationwide have resigned or called in sick, though most Florida airports have continued to report checkpoint wait times under 15 minutes.
However, major hubs, including Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Miami, and Tampa, may experience slightly longer delays during peak travel periods.
What is the current wait time at Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)?
Travelers flying out of JAX are in serious luck, experiencing an average of 1-2 min wait time.
How to check TSA wait time at Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)
At Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), travelers can check wait times (including flight status at https://www.flyjacksonville.com/ ) or on the MyTSA app. Other options include checking through third-party websites such as fly.com, flightqueue.com or tsawaittimes.com, which provide estimated wait times based on airport reports and traveler submissions.
However, the application issued a user notice that the website might not be actively managed due to the lapse in federal funding.
Florida flight delays at Jacksonville Airport (JAX) on March 17
Here's the amount of delays and cancellations today, March 17, at Florida flight delays at Jacksonville Airport (JAX), on March 17 according to FlightAware.com:
- Total delays today: 28
- Total delays within, into, or out of the United States today: 28
- Total cancellations today: 17
- Total cancellations within, into, or out of the United States today: 17
