8 travelers told us how they fared in the great TSA toss-up of 2026

Snaking TSA lines in some airports, no queues in other — getting through security is a game of chance now.

Michael M. Santiago; RONALDO SCHEMIDT / Getty Images

• Getting through airport security in the US is like playing roulette right now.
• Some travelers are missing flights after hours in line, and having to spend the night in the airport.
• Others are budgeting hours for TSA chaos — and then sailing through the line in minutes.

Bazela Malik was in New York City to celebrate Eid with her family.