TRAVEL ADVISORY: TSA Says Arrive at O'Hare 3 Hours (Or More) Before Your Flight

MILWAUKEE — Travelers beware: What's going on at O'Hare airport will take you more time than usual, and It's the kind of thing that makes traveling out of Milwaukee's General Mitchell International Airport all the more appealing.

The TSA is advising travelers to arrive 3 hours early - or more - before flights due to incredibly long security lines there. The long security lines at O'Hare International Airport Sunday night were so lengthy that many who missed their flights were forced to bunk at the airport on cots.

O'Hare Airport: Cot City

But wait, it gets worse:

So why is this happening?

Nationwide, there are about 5,800 fewer TSA security screeners at U.S. airports due to cutbacks in budget and staffing, according to the TSA. Unbelievably long lines are becoming the norm because of the shortage of TSA workers. The TSA said it plans to hire nearly 800 additional workers by June, but the union representing the workers says they need 6,000 hires to alleviate the long lines.

How long will this happen?

Long lines are expected to be the norm for the rest of 2016.

See for yourself: News Monday out of Chicago:

From CBS Chicago: The TSA has been urging passengers to get to the airport at least two hours early for domestic flights, and three hours early for international flights. However, some passengers have said that is not enough time to get through security and still make their flight.

American Airlines said some 4,000 passengers have missed flights at O’Hare since February because of the long wait times.

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