Originally Posted by gsoltso

Technically, TSA is understaffed at some locations based upon throughput and equipment requirements. On the other hand, some locations are overstaffed based upon throughput and equipment requirements.

An interesting correlation that I have noticed is that most medium or smaller airports run in streaks. So, at some airports** from 0430-0700 everything is running wide open, then from 0700-1000 it is small pushes here and there, then from 1000-1200 it runs like a faucet. So, if you come at 0630, you can wind up in line for a while. If you show up at 0900, you can walk right up and go in and be done in 5 minutes or less. There may be a perception that there are a lot of overstaffing situations, but I can tell you that is probably just appearances for the most part.

** Times are completely made up and not reflective of any specific airport**