UK warns its travelers of US airport delays amid TSA government shutdown

As American airports and travelers continue to suffer the effects of the DHS shutdown and TSA officers continue to work without a paycheck, some European countries are warning those who would potentially visit the United States

The United Kingdom, for example, has updated its international travel advice for those wishing to travel to the United States, calling for a “travel disruption.”

“Due to the partial US government shutdown, longer-than-usual queues may occur at some US airports,” the advisory states.

TSA OFFICIALS ARE SKIPING WORK AS PAYCHECKS STOP DURING SHUTDOWN, AIRPORTS FACE CHAOS NATIONWIDE

It continues: “Check with your travel provider, departure airport or airline for the latest guidance.”

The delays are happening because Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers were called off work after not getting paid for the third time in about six months.

The national call rate on Sunday was 10.19%, a TSA spokesperson told Fox News Digital this week.

This is the highest rate the agency has ever seen.

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On Tuesday, Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta warned passengers about delays at X-post and warned travelers that they were trying to hack the system.

“We are seeing increased congestion at the International Terminal Checkpoint as domestic passengers attempt to bypass the lines at the Domestic Terminal,” airport officials wrote.

“If you are flying domestically, please use the Domestic Security Checkpoints. Currently, wait times at the International Checkpoint are longer than at the Domestic Checkpoint.”

Calls at major airports increased over the weekend, rising over 50% in Houston; At New Orleans and Atlanta airports, it exceeded 30%.

TSA employee call rates have skyrocketed across the country; The highest single-day airport call rate reached 55% at Houston Hobby International Airport last Friday. (Peter Zay/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Call rates have skyrocketed across the country; The highest single-day airport call rate reached 55% at Houston Hobby International Airport on Friday.

Additionally, 366 TSA officers resigned during the shutdown.

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A source familiar told Fox News Digital that it takes four to six months for officers to be trained and certified, creating a critical staffing shortage.

Travel expert Clint Henderson of the website The Points Guy told Fox News Digital that flight passengers can expect the situation to worsen as the shutdown drags on.

“Mornings seem to be the worst times. Be sure to check local news sites and social media in case of long queues,” said one travel expert. (Mark Felix/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

“TSA workers are going without pay and some are quitting. Others are having to do special jobs to pay the bills,” Henderson said.

“The combination of weather issues at major airports across the country is making the situation worse,” he added.

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“Mornings seem to be the worst times. Be sure to monitor local news sites and social media in case long lines develop. However, some airports update wait times on their homepages, so be aware of that.”

Henderson said flight passengers have the right to request an immediate refund if the airline cancels the flight or there is a significant delay and the passenger decides not to accept alternative bookings.

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““You are entitled to an immediate refund within 21 days based on your original payment method.”

“This also includes delays of more than three hours or more than six hours on international flights within the United States.”