BWI grapples with spring break chaos as TSA callouts surge

Spring-break crowds overwhelmed Baltimore’s BWI as TSA agents called out in large numbers amid a partial government shutdown, pushing security lines to four hours or more and producing the nation’s highest callout rate (peaking around 38%); about 29,500 passengers departed Friday, with weekend volumes steady. Nationwide TSA staffing shortages and unpaid wages have forced some workers to seek second jobs, hinting at continued travel chaos until funding is resolved. Smaller airports with private security fared better in comparison to BWI’s disruptions.