Flight passengers are paying strangers to stand in long TSA lines as chaos drags on

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Flight passengers are getting crafty as airports continue to tackle with the “wait gate” fallout from theDHS shutdownthat resulted in a shortage of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers.

A New York-based line waiting service, Same Ole Line Dudes, has attracted the interest of travelers looking for ways to avoid hour-long lines.

Robert Samuel, the owner of Same Ole Line Dudes, told The Washington Post he’s received a few requests forTSA wait lines.

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The company says it charges $50 minimum for up to a two-hour wait, with an additional $15 charge for any request from 12 a.m.to 7 a.m., according to its website.

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“Since this line is moving, it’s very different,” Samuel told the publication.“No chair is allowed, and we have to stay on our feet, so the pricing will be $35 per hour.”

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People wait in line to pass through security at George Bush Intercontinental Airport

Some people are charging big money to hold people’s spots in TSA lines. (Danielle Villasana/Getty Images)

In Houston, Texas, a manbegan charging $65 an hourto stand in TSA lines at George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

�s received a few requests. 

“I will wait in line for you at the airport.I’ll wait for TSA,” he said.

Airport passengers wait in an hours-long security line at William P. Hobby Airport in Houston, Texas, US, on Monday, March 9, 2026.

“I get out of line, and that one person goes in.It doesn’t change the number of people in line at all,” said one individual (not pictured) who charges money to hold people’s place in line. (Mark Felix/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

“For [travelers’] security, passengers should not pay individuals offering to hold their place in line, as they are not authorized and have not been vetted,” the airport said.

Addressing passengers directly, it also said, “Please remain with your belongings and use only official airport queues.Passengers who choose to useunauthorized servicesdo so at their own risk.”

Travelers have been getting creative in trying times. 

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Travelers have faced lines of up to five hours in recent weeks as TSA officers called out of work due to missed paychecks.

Now, after working without pay since DHS funding lapsed on Valentine’ve begun getting paychecks after President Donald Trump issued an executive order for emergency pay recently. 

vodka shots to other adults in line.

A traveler was recorded walking through the massive crowd at George Bush Intercontinental Airport with a large frosted bottle and a stack of plastic cups. 

TSA agent works at Houston airport security checkpoint

TSA officers have started receiving paychecks again after working without pay since DHS funding lapsed on Valentine’s Day.(Ronaldo Schemidt /AFP via Getty Images)

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He beganpouring shotsfor frustrated travelers who were stuck in a line that stretched far outside the terminal doors.

The move appeared both practical and generous, as TSA rules do not allow bottles larger than 3.4 ounces through security.

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Instead of tossing the expensive liquor, the man decided to share it with his fellow passengers.

�s Kelly McGreal contributed to reporting. 

Ashley J. 

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