As the partial government shutdown continues, airport security lines have become a major source of frustration for travelers. With some terminals advising passengers to arrive three hours early, it is clear that the shutdown is taking its toll on TSA workers.

This is not the first time TSA workers have been affected by a government shutdown. As essential employees, they are required to continue working without pay and will receive back pay once the government reopens. However, with the current shutdown lasting for over a year, many workers are feeling the financial strain. Last weekend, security checkpoint employees missed their first full paycheck since the shutdown began on February 14. This comes after the longest government shutdown in U. S. history last year, during which TSA workers were not paid for weeks after it ended.

The current shutdown is limited to the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the TSA. Last week, the DHS reported that over 300 TSA agents have resigned since the shutdown began. They have also repeatedly blamed Democrats for the resulting delays. However, Democratic lawmakers have withheld funding due to objections to the department’s immigration enforcement tactics, following the fatal shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis earlier this year.

Among the airports most affected by long security lines over the weekend were Austin-Bergstrom International in Texas, where an influx of travelers for the annual SXSW Festival contributed to lines stretching from the terminal into the parking lot. Similar lines were also reported at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, and Miami International Airport.

In response to the ongoing delays and frustrations, the CEOs of several top commercial and cargo airlines, including American, Delta, United, Southwest, and JetBlue, wrote an open letter urging Congress to restore DHS funding and find a bipartisan solution to compensate aviation workers during the shutdown. With 171 million passengers expected this spring, the executives emphasized the need for a resolution, especially with major events like spring break, the Men’s FIFA World Cup, and America’s 250th anniversary celebrations taking place.

To help travelers avoid long security lines, airports are advising passengers to check wait times before arriving. Live TSA wait times are available on the websites of major hubs, as well as on the MyTSA mobile app. However, due to the shutdown, the website is not being actively managed, so wait times may not always be current.

Another way to save time at security checkpoints is through pre-paid programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, which have recently been reinstated. These programs allow approved travelers to keep their shoes, light jackets, laptops, and liquids in their bags and typically have shorter lines. However, not all airports have TSA PreCheck, and the airline you’re flying must participate in the program. Additionally, there are other options, such as CLEAR, which offers a faster verification process and can be obtained for free through certain loyalty programs or travel credit cards.

Some airlines also offer priority security lanes for elite members and first or business class passengers.