Do you have travel plans in the near future? Even though there have been no major delays reported at local airports, you may still want to allow extra time as TSA staffing shortages continue to affect security operations across the country.

The issue is tied to unusually high absenteeism among Transportation Security Administration officers during the ongoing partial Department of Homeland Security shutdown. At this point, the biggest problems appear to be centered at larger airports including New Orleans, Dallas and Houston. Travel conditions can shift quickly, so you should check flight updates often, arrive early, and be prepared for possible wait times.

Federal officials have also warned that the situation could worsen if staffing shortages continue. For now, leaving from nearby airports may not be seeing the same headaches reported in larger cities, but a little extra planning could still make the trip smoother.