CHICAGO — Travelers at Chicago O'Hare International Airport faced moderate to extended security lines Tuesday, March 24, 2026, with average TSA wait times hovering between 20 and 35 minutes at many checkpoints, though some peaks reached 40-60 minutes during morning and midday rushes as the partial federal government shutdown continues to strain staffing during peak spring break travel.

A Frontier Airlines Airbus A320neo plane departs from O'Hare International Airport in Chicago
A Frontier Airlines Airbus A320neo plane departs from O'Hare International Airport in Chicago

O'Hare, one of the nation's busiest hubs handling more than 80 million passengers annually, does not maintain an official real-time TSA wait time dashboard on its flychicago.com site. Airport officials have instead issued broad advisories urging passengers to allow significantly more time than usual for security screening amid ongoing Department of Homeland Security funding issues.

Third-party trackers and traveler reports painted a variable picture Tuesday. Aggregators showed current standard security waits averaging around 25-26 minutes, with some checkpoints reporting as low as 5-10 minutes in off-peak overnight hours and climbing to 30-45 minutes during busier periods. TSA PreCheck lanes generally moved faster, often clearing in 5-15 minutes when open, though they too experienced occasional backups.

The partial government shutdown, now in its sixth week, has prompted elevated TSA call-out rates as officers work without guaranteed paychecks. Nationwide absenteeism has fluctuated, with some shifts seeing 10-30 percent or more officers absent. At O'Hare, lines were noticeably longer over the weekend, with reports of waits approaching two hours at certain international checkpoints, though conditions appeared somewhat steadier by Tuesday afternoon as volumes eased.

Chicago Department of Aviation officials have warned that passengers "may experience longer-than-usual wait times" due to the combination of spring break crowds and staffing challenges. More than 3.7 million travelers are expected to pass through O'Hare and Midway during the spring break period, with O'Hare projecting a 13 percent increase over last year on some days.

President Donald Trump's decision to deploy Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to assist at major airports, including O'Hare, began taking effect Monday. ICE officers were spotted in Terminal 3 and other areas, helping with crowd management and flow rather than direct screening. Their presence has drawn mixed reactions from travelers, with some expressing unease while others appreciated any additional support to ease bottlenecks.

Local media and social media posts Tuesday described scenes of manageable but slower-moving lines at most domestic checkpoints in Terminals 1, 2 and 3. International Terminal 5 sometimes saw heavier traffic due to additional screening requirements. One traveler reported clearing Terminal 1 PreCheck in about 7 minutes midday, while standard lanes in Terminal 3 averaged closer to 25-30 minutes during the lunch hour.

Unlike harder-hit airports such as Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson, where lines have stretched for hours and official trackers were suspended, O'Hare has avoided the most extreme backups so far. However, aviation experts note that even moderate delays can cascade quickly in a hub like ORD, where tight connections are common.

Practical advice from the Chicago Department of Aviation and airlines remains consistent: Arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international departures. Many travelers and experts recommend adding an extra hour buffer during the current conditions, especially for families or those with checked baggage.

TSA PreCheck and CLEAR expedited lanes continue to offer significant time savings for enrolled members. PreCheck checkpoints were open across terminals, with hours varying by location — some opening as early as 3:15 a.m. and closing in the evening. CLEAR enrollment and lanes are available in Terminals 1, 2 and 5.

Community support efforts have emerged to assist TSA officers facing financial hardship. Travelers and local groups have donated gift cards for food and gas, with some passengers handing them directly to officers at checkpoints.

For those flying out of O'Hare today, tips to minimize delays include:

- Check third-party trackers or the MyTSA app before leaving home, though data may be less reliable during the shutdown.
- Pack liquids in a quart-sized bag and remove laptops and large electronics early.
- Wear slip-on shoes and limit metal items to speed screening.
- Use the CTA Blue Line or other public transit to avoid roadway congestion around the airport.
- Monitor airline apps for gate changes and connection times.
- Consider the airport's multiple checkpoints — moving between terminals is possible but adds time.

O'Hare's layout, with four main terminals connected by walkways and the ATS people-mover system, helps distribute crowds after security. However, the initial checkpoints remain the primary potential choke point.

Flight operations continue normally, with average delays under 15 minutes reported early Tuesday according to airport data. No widespread cancellations tied directly to security lines were noted, though individual missed connections remain a risk for tight schedules.

The ongoing shutdown has drawn criticism from travel industry groups and unions, who warn of broader economic impacts if the impasse continues into peak summer travel. TSA officers, deemed essential, continue working while many face personal financial strain, leading to resignations and call-outs.

As evening approaches on March 24, passenger volumes typically ease after the afternoon rush, potentially shortening lines further for later departures. Overnight and very early morning hours often see the shortest waits.

Travelers with disabilities or needing assistance should contact their airline in advance and allow extra time. Family lanes exist but can also experience variability.

Chicago Mayor's office and airport leadership continue coordinating with federal partners on ICE assistance and monitoring conditions closely. Officials emphasize that safety remains the top priority despite the challenges.

For real-time insights, passengers can consult sites like takeofftimer.com or onairparking.com, which aggregate traveler reports and checkpoint data. Social media groups and local news also provide frequent updates from those on the ground.

O'Hare International Airport remains a vital economic engine for the Chicago region. While the current situation tests its resilience, the hub has managed high volumes effectively in the past through proactive measures.

As spring break continues and negotiations in Washington drag on, conditions at ORD are expected to remain fluid. Passengers are encouraged to stay informed via airline notifications, the flychicago.com site and trusted travel apps.

The message from Chicago's primary international gateway is clear: Plan ahead, build in substantial extra time and prepare for variable but generally manageable TSA experiences amid broader national strains. Safe travels to all departing O'Hare today.