A combination of fewer Transportation Security Administration screeners, tighter budgets, new checkpoint procedures and growing numbers of passengers has created a mess at airports around the country. In recent weeks, passengers have reported epic lines at T.S.A. checkpoints, causing heartburn and angst, as well as missed flights.

While the T.S.A. says it is hiring and training hundreds of additional screening officers, matters are not likely to improve anytime soon. Airline and airport officials have said they fear that the current slowdown will last through the year and could cause a summer travel meltdown when travel demand peaks.

Travelers have seen lines stretching to the curb, snaking to other terminal levels or even extending into different concourses.