Spring break travelers at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport were met with a headache on Friday morning when two of the four Transportation Security Administration screening lanes in Terminal 4 were shut down, leaving only checkpoints A and C open and stretching lines for departing passengers. Airport and union officials linked the move to staffing shortages as many TSA officers continued to show up without pay during a partial Department of Homeland Security funding lapse. Good Morning Arizona crews and fliers on the ground reported waits climbing to around 30 minutes, and the airport cautioned passengers to build in extra time before their flights.
According to Arizona’s Family, Sky Harbor officials confirmed that checkpoints B and D were closed Friday while A and C stayed open. The outlet quoted an airport spokesperson urging travelers, “Arrive a minimum of two hours before your flight (three if flying internationally) to leave plenty of time to check your bags, get through security, and find your gate.” Arizona’s Family also reported that Friday was a scheduled payday for TSA workers, but paychecks showed up empty because of the shutdown, and a union representative told the station that some officers walked off rather than continue working without pay.
Where to check wait times and reserve a slot
Passengers can track live checkpoint hours and estimated wait times on Phoenix Sky Harbor’s official website and use the free PHX RESERVE system to lock in a screening window at participating lanes. As explained by Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, any open Terminal 4 checkpoint gives access to all gates, and the airport posts updates when lanes are consolidated. Travelers who do not have a PHX RESERVE time should allow extra time and keep an eye on their airline’s alerts for any schedule changes.
Why this is happening
The Terminal 4 lane consolidation reflects the strain hitting airports around the country as the partial DHS funding lapse has left thousands of TSA officers working without pay, which in turn has fueled absences and operational pressure. National coverage has highlighted how the shutdown is prompting industry leaders to press Congress to restore funding and pay so that screening capacity can keep up with the busy travel season. For a wider look at how the shutdown is affecting airport lines and staffing, see reporting from AP News.
Airport officials told Arizona’s Family that they consolidated checkpoints “to maximize staffing” while keeping Terminal 4 operating, and they stressed that travelers should check flight status before leaving for the airport. The closures primarily affected departures out of Terminal 4 during a high-traffic spring break period, leading some passengers to shift between lines and concourses in search of shorter waits. City aviation staff said they would keep adjusting operations as needed to limit delays while peak travel continues.
If you are flying out of PHX today, build in extra time, check live wait times and PHX RESERVE on the airport website, and pay attention to any alerts from your airline. Airport officials reiterated that the best way to dodge unwelcome surprises is to monitor your flight status before you head to the terminal and to take advantage of reservation tools when possible.
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