Airport Lines Stretch for Hours, Forcing Travelers to Pivot to Cars and Trains

Fliers across the US encountered some of the longest airport security lines since a partial government shutdown started in mid February, with travelers increasingly seeking out alternatives to planes such as rental cars and trains.

Social media showed passengers queuing outside Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport early Thursday morning with the facility’s website defaulting to a page advising flyers to arrive at least four hours early for screenings. In Baltimore, one of the security check points was closed, leading to long lines at others sites, the airport said on its website.