Pack your patience: How to get through TSA lines faster at Houston’s IAH and Hobby airports — without being turned back

Travelers heading to the airport this week should pack some extra patience. Both George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) are warning passengers to expect long lines and major delays as the ongoing government shutdown impacts TSA staffing.

Because of staffing shortages, fewer security lanes are open, and wait times at Bush Intercontinental could exceed three hours, airport officials said. At Hobby Airport, wait times are stretching beyond an hour.

RELATED: Houston airports struggle with long TSA lines, major delays due to government shutdown

Long TSA lines can test anyone’s patience — but you’re not alone. At Houston’s airports, security screening keeps everyone safe, and a little preparation can make a big difference. Here’s how to breeze through security and stay on schedule without being turned back or stopped in line.

Tips to move through security faster

Arrive early

Plan to arrive at least three hours before domestic flights and four hours before international flights until TSA staffing stabilizes.

Use TSA PreCheck or CLEAR

Passengers enrolled in TSA PreCheck or CLEAR can use dedicated lanes for faster screening. Enrollment centers are available at both IAH and HOU for future trips.

Pack smart

Follow the 3-1-1 rule for liquids (3.4‑ounce containers, 1 quart-sized bag, 1 per passenger), and add these hacks to save time:

• Keep all liquids in a clear bag, ready to go. Refill between trips to avoid digging.
• Store electronics, chargers, and cords in small, clear bags for faster screening.
• Keep your laptop in a sleeve on top of other items for easy access.
• Keep liquids in a separate, clear pouch.
• Shoes/outwear accessibility: Place shoes and jackets where they are easy to grab.
• Small “Airport Essentials” Pouch: Keep ID, boarding pass, phone, headphones, and hand sanitizer together to avoid digging through multiple pockets or bags.
• Check bulky tools: Curling irons, flat irons, or large hair tools are best packed in checked luggage.
• Weigh heavy bags at home: Avoid surprises and last-minute stress at check-in.
• Declare medications or baby items: Keep them in a labeled, clear bag and notify TSA officers to speed inspection.

Have documents ready

Keep your boarding pass and ID within easy reach:

• Digital passes are fine, but make sure your screen is bright and unlocked for scanning.
• Keep them together to avoid digging through your bag.
• Consider a travel sleeve or small pouch for quick access, especially if traveling with children or multiple documents.

Dress for efficiency

To help move through security faster:

• Wear slip-on shoes
• Avoid hats, scarves, beanies, belts with metal buckles, jewelry, and watches
• Keep hair tools like curling irons or straighteners in checked luggage if possible
• Empty your pockets before reaching the scanner

Special items or family travel

Traveling with small children, strollers, or medical equipment? Notify TSA officers before screening. Family lanes and assistance are available where applicable.

Traveler reminder

Security procedures are critical for everyone’s safety, and airport teams are working hard to manage the increased demand. Your patience, preparation, and understanding will help make travel safer and more efficient for all passengers.

READ: Only Terminals A and E open for TSA checkpoints at Bush Intercontinental Airport

For real-time updates on security wait times, terminal operations, and flight status, visit fly2houston.com or follow @iah and @HobbyAirport on social media.