travel

Thousands of flights canceled or delayed as weather and TSA staffing upend travel

Updated on: March 17, 2026 / 11:41 AM EDT / CBS/AP

Thousands of flights canceled or delayed as weather and TSA staffing upend travel

TL;DR

  • Hundreds of flights were canceled and thousands delayed on Tuesday due to severe storms.
  • A partial government shutdown has reduced TSA staffing, with call-out rates doubling and over 300 employees quitting.
  • Airports are experiencing increased crowds due to spring break and March Madness.
  • Chicago O'Hare, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson, and LaGuardia were among the hardest-hit airports.
  • FAA ordered ground stops and delays at several major airports due to weather.
  • TSA workers are facing financial hardship, with some reporting eviction notices and overdrawn bank accounts.
  • Travelers are being advised to arrive at airports significantly earlier due to potential delays.