Traveling within the United States has become an unexpected challenge for thousands of passengers. Long lines at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security checkpoints are causing severe delays, missed flights, and a level of uncertainty that has already forced several airlines to take extraordinary measures. Faced with this desperate situation for many travelers, some airlines are allowing free flight changes. The partial federal government shutdown has caused various disruptions to public services across the country, but the situation at airports has grabbed headlines after TSA agents have been working without pay for weeks. As a result, many have resigned, reducing the available staff at key airports. In fact, entrepreneur Elon Musk has proposed paying the employees' salaries. Long lines at security checkpoints are a daily occurrence. At Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport alone, passengers reported waits of up to five hours to go through security. This caused many travelers to miss their flights, with some people reporting missing three consecutive flights due to the long lines. In response, several airlines have decided to relax their policies. Among them are Allegiant Air, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, which have announced temporary waivers of change and cancellation fees. “It was probably about time they started doing this, given the chaos in key hubs like Houston and Atlanta,” Eric Rosen, content director of the travel website The Points Guy, told CBS News. “It seems like the airlines are realizing there’s no short-term solution in sight.” Here are the waivers you can receive these days. Keep in mind, they have an expiration date, so it’s essential to take advantage of them as soon as possible.

Allegiant Air

Allegiant Air implemented a special policy called “Travel with Confidence.” This allows passengers to modify or cancel their itineraries without paying additional fees during the affected period.

In addition, the airline offers the possibility of requesting refunds on eligible flights.

To make any adjustments, customers must contact customer service directly by phone, chat, text message, or email.

The company also recommends arriving at the airport earlier and checking estimated wait times at security checkpoints through official websites or social media.

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines focused its measure on one of the busiest airports in the country: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. At this terminal, travelers are advised to arrive at least four hours in advance.

The airline allows passengers to reschedule their flights without additional fees, provided they travel on or before March 30.

Fare differences are also waived, as long as the new ticket is in the same class as the original.

United Airlines

United Airlines launched a specific waiver for those flying to or from Houston. This airport has been one of the hardest hit, with reports of waits of up to six hours due to TSA staffing shortages.

Passengers with flights scheduled between March 23 and 24 can change their itinerary without paying fees or fare differences.

However, certain conditions must be met: the new flight must take place before March 31 and remain on the same route and service category.