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

04 Apr 2026 By foxnews

Flight passengers are getting crafty as airports continue to tackle with the "wait gate" fallout from the DHS shutdown that 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 for TSA wait lines.

TRAVELER HANDS OUT VODKA SHOTS IN MASSIVE TSA LINE AMID US AIRPORT LINES AND DELAYS

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.

"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."

Fox News Digital reached out to Same Ole Line Dudes for comment.

In Houston, Texas, a man began charging $65 an hour to stand in TSA lines at George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

Steven Dial told FOX 26 he's received a few requests.

"I will wait in line for you at the airport. I'll wait for TSA," he said.

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"It's a one-for-one exchange," Dial said. "I get out of line, and that one person goes in. It doesn't change the number of people in line at all."

When asked for comment, the airport told FOX 26 it does not endorse any "for-hire" line-standing services.

"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 use unauthorized services do so at their own risk."

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's Day, officers have told Fox News they've begun getting paychecks after President Donald Trump issued an executive order for emergency pay recently.

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Travelers have been getting creative amid the trying times. One man in Houston turned a miserable four-hour TSA wait recently into an impromptu party by handing out free 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.

He began pouring shots for 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.

Fox News Digital's Kelly McGreal contributed to reporting.