Flying for spring break? Here are Boise airport travel tips amid TSA shutdown
Spring break is here, and many Treasure Valley residents are headed out of town for vacation.
Nearly 165,000 passengers expected to pass through Boise Airport from March 12 through Sunday, March 22, according to an airport news release.
However, those travelers could face longer lines and wait times due to a partial federal government shutdown that’s impacting the Transportation Security Administration.
Here’s what to know about flying out of Boise for spring break:
Do I need to arrive early at the Boise airport?
Officials recommend arriving at the Boise airport an hour and a half to two hours before your flight’s scheduled departure time.
“Spring break travel is expected to be especially busy this year, as local school districts and Boise State University are observing the same break schedule,” the airport said in the March 12 news release. “Arriving early will allow ample time to check in with your airline and clear the security checkpoint before your flight.”
Spring vacation started Monday, March 16, for Boise State and public elementary, middle and high schools in the Boise area.
Students will be out of class through Friday, March 20.
Where can I park at the Boise aiport?
Boise Airport offers curbside valet, a shuttle service and a reservation system for parking.
Check the airport’s website in advance to see parking spot availability.
How has federal shutdown impacted TSA?
Airports throughout the nation have reported absences by TSA officers as a result of the shutdown, CNN reported, while hundreds have quit.
TSA employees have been working without pay since funding for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security lapsed in mid-February, NPR reported. Many recently missed their first full paycheck.
“The longer the shutdown lasts, the more severe the impact will be on the transportation security officers and other front-line workers who will have to keep coming to work,” the Department of Homeland Security said in a Feb. 17 news release. “This could lead to increased wait times at airports across the country.”
To help those workers, donation bins have been set up at “all airport entrances, upstairs and downstairs,” according to Jennifer Kronberb, Boise Airport communications and marketing manager.
“(We) would truly appreciate donations of non-perishable food, household items, baby care, pet food and personal hygiene items,” Kronberb told the Idaho Statesman.
TSA officers are not allowed to accept Visa gift cards because they are federal employees, Boise Airport representatives wrote in response to a comment on a March 12 Facebook post.
Instead, the Boise airport recommends donating gift cards to grocery stores, gas stations or local businesses.
How can I avoid delays at security checkpoint?
To avoid delays and make security screeners’ lives easier, make sure your luggage and carry-on items follow security guidelines before you leave the house.
According to TSA spokesperson Jessica Mayle, it’s best to “unpack before you pack” by emptying your bags completely before filling them with travel necessities.
If you’re unsure what’s approved and unapproved for flights check the “What Can I Bring” tool that’s available on TSA.gov and the free MyTSA app.
You can also text “Travel” to AskTSA (275872) or message @AskTSA on X or Facebook Messenger.
“Do not attempt to bring a firearm through a TSA checkpoint,” the Boise Airport said. “Other prohibited items include explosives, flammables, knives, razors, replica weapons and more.”
Where can I fly from Boise?
In 2026, the most popular spring destinations for Boise Airport travelers include Seattle, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Denver and Portland, Oregon, according to Kronberg.
As of Monday, here’s how much tickets for dirst round-trip flights to those cities cost, according to Google Flights:
- Seattle: $588 with Delta Airlines and Alaskan Airlines
- Phoenix: $451 with Allegiant Airlines
- Las Vegas: $668 with Southwest Airlines
- Denver: $672 with Southwest Airlines
- Portland: $597 with Alaskan Airlines
