If you are traveling for spring break and feeling a little nervous, we don’t blame you. From long wait times at airport security to hefty gas prices, it’s a turbulent time to travel.

Security line wait times at some airports have stretched to multiple hours as thousands of Transportation Security Administration workers call out during the funding shutdown. About 29% of TSA officers called out of work at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport on Wednesday, according to the Department of Homeland Security. The callout rate at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport was over 17%.

Congress is facing pressure to fund the Department of Homeland Security, but it’s unclear when lawmakers will reach a deal.

Gas prices have surged, too, as conflict continues in Iran and the broader Middle East. Prices are near or at $4 in several counties in Maryland.

Families across Maryland are gearing up for spring break as most public school systems are off over the next few weeks. Here’s what you should know.

When should I get to the airport?

If you are flying from BWI

Traveling conditions change every day. People faced long lines Sunday evening and Thursday morning, but security checkpoint wait times were close to normal at other points throughout the week, said Jonathan Dean, a spokesperson for BWI.

“We continue to encourage travelers to plan to arrive early,” he said. AAA recommends travelers arrive earlier than usual, especially if flying in the early morning or late afternoon.

Travelers can also look up the schedule for TSA PreCheck online.

If you are flying from DCA

Passengers should check in two to three hours ahead and check for security screening wait times before heading to the airport.

There are three security checkpoints and two terminals at Reagan Airport. Terminal 1 serves Air Canada, Frontier and Southwest, whereas Terminal 2 serves American Airlines, Alaska, Delta, JetBlue and United.

If you are flying from Dulles

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority recommends travelers arrive two to three hours ahead of their boarding time.

Travelers can also check the estimated wait time for security screening lines on the Dulles International website and reduce wait times in customs by using the Mobile Passport Control.

What happens if I miss my flight?

The quickest way to get rebooked is by calling the airline directly, standing in line to speak with a representative or trying the reservations number for assistance, said Vikram Seshadri, a travel advisor.

Southwest Airlines had employees walking along checkpoint lines at BWI to offer assistance to travelers who were experiencing long wait times, Dean said.

“If a customer is unable to make their flight due to longer than normal TSA wait times, we will rebook them on the next available flight without additional charge,” said Chris Perry, a spokesperson for Southwest.

United is also working with customers to rebook them to the next available option, according to the airline’s media spokesperson. Those flying to Houston, which has faced some of the longest wait times in the U.S., will have more flexibility to manage their travel plans.

Any other advice for flying?

If you haven’t booked your trip yet, opt for refundable flights, hotels and rental cars, said Sally French, a travel expert for NerdWallet. Travel insurance can also help, especially if it offers more flexible options.

French said travelers should also consider TSA PreCheck and Clear, a paid service that lets travelers skip traditional security lines, to speed up the process.

“If you’re feeling hesitant about traveling right now, listen to that instinct,” French said in an email. “Skipping or postponing a trip is a completely valid choice — you don’t have to travel just because everyone else is."

Even if you have TSA PreCheck or Clear, Seshadri said to err on the side of caution and get to the airport at least two hours before departure. Those without benefits should allow even more time, he said.

If I’m driving, how can I save on gas?

Your wallet is probably already feeling the surge in gas prices. According to AAA Fuel Prices, the national average soared from $2.97 to $3.98 in just a month. The highest recorded average price was $5.01 in 2022.

Maryland’s average for regular gas is just above the national average at $3.99.

There are ways of saving money and conserving gas, though. For starters, drive slow, as you can maximize a car’s fuel use by 14%. Try to travel lighter, too, to increase fuel efficiency. Tiffany Wright, a spokesperson for AAA, recommends rebalancing your budget and spending less on dining out and shopping.

You can also check the AAA website to see the average gas prices by county. Other apps, like Waze, track community-shared price data.