Airport security services operate more than 2 hours between government shutdowns, a TSA official said

With the shutdown of the US government, airlines continue to warn customers of possible schedule changes.

As of Thursday at 3:30 PM ET, 4,146 flights in, to or out of the US were delayed, and 420 were canceled, according to Flaaware.com.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) operates a flight reduction program that limits air traffic capacity at 40 airports.

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Acting Transportation Security Administrator Adam Stahl told Fox News Digital on Thursday that as the shutdown continues, it will continue to have a significant impact on wait times.

“When [officers are] It’s incredibly dedicated to mission, security and the American public at large, we’re seeing significant impacts on wait times — and they’re expected to increase,” Stahl said.

Recent wait times at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas, for example, were more than two hours, he said. “That will be consistent across the board if this shutdown continues.”

The TSA generally advises travelers to arrive at the airport two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight.

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“We advise people to continue to arrive early, agreeing to longer procedures – two to three hours,” Stahl said. “It’s true, it can’t hurt to show up early.”

He also added that some places may have longer periods and lips.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) operates a flight reduction program that limits air traffic capacity at 40 airports. (Evelyn Hockstein / Reuters)

“Especially in hard-hit areas, like Houston, Lax, Orlando — we’re just asking people to check to check,” Stahl said.

“Please leave in the morning, and please be patient with our TSA officers,” he added. “They did their best, again, under difficult circumstances.”

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Because of peak patterns, Stahl said every airport faces a different workflow — and certain times during the day or night will be better to fly than others.

“Traditionally, rush hour … morning and evening, of course, are busy, [as] Business travelers have the highest number of trips during the week. “

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Stahl said as the shutdown continues, he is concerned about the approaching holidays and the impact on travel.

“Please leave early, and please be patient with our TSA officers,” the official said. “They did their best under difficult circumstances.” (Juliana Yamada/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

“This is going to be very bad, especially during the wait times and significant inconvenience for passengers … especially with Thanksgiving and the holidays coming right around the corner.”

Stahl also pointed out that “there is no security breach” and that the TSA has taken various measures to reduce concerns.

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“We have our National Referral Office, which is the basis of our search capabilities – and we appeal to those people in particular [help out in] Places where prices are almost as high, like Atlanta, Houston, Charlotte,” he said.

Stahl said the shutdown affects the lifestyle of TSA employees.

“Especially in hard-hit areas, like Houston, LAX, Orlando, we’re just going to ask people to decorate the lookout.” (AP Photo / Lekan Oyekanmi)

“I heard a story just a few days ago from a young TSA officer, a female TSA officer,” Stahl said. “He had $40 in his bank account. He had to choose between paying for his children and paying for food.”

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He added, “It’s just about the strength of our staff, but also how much this is due financially, to a degree.”