The partial government shutdown is causing real chaos at airports. Hundreds of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers are quitting or taking time off, and this is only worsening travel delays, especially with winter storms hitting the Midwest while many people are flying for spring break.
So far, over 300 TSA agents have left their jobs, according to the Department of Homeland Security. This comes after TSA workers missed their first full paycheck during the shutdown that began in mid-February. The funding for the Department lapsed due to clashes between Republicans and Democrats over immigration reform.
Major airline CEOs, including those from American, Delta, and Southwest, sent a letter urging Congress to restore funding for the TSA. They argued that it’s tough to manage bills and daily expenses without pay. In their words, “It’s difficult, if not impossible, to put food on the table.”
Historically, the longest government shutdown led to significant numbers of TSA agents not showing up for work. Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, said it’s no surprise so many employees are leaving this time. He stated, “Most Americans would quit their jobs if they didn’t get a paycheck on payday.”
Recent data shows that since the start of the current shutdown, the callout rate for unscheduled absences among TSA officers has surged to 6%, up from 2% before funding lapsed. While federal employees eventually receive back pay when the shutdown ends, many before have faced severe financial hardships. Last year, numerous employees lost their homes or faced repossessions due to missed payments.
Currently, some TSA employees are taking drastic measures. Many are withdrawing money from retirement accounts or borrowing from family and friends. Airports like Denver International and Seattle-Tacoma are asking for donations to support TSA workers, including food and household item collections.
As travelers hit the skies, the impact of the shutdown is evident. The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport reported long wait times at security checkpoints, sometimes up to two hours. Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta also advised travelers to arrive three hours early due to forecasts of heavy traffic through the airport.
In stark contrast to a TSA report from 2024 that indicated 99% of travelers waited less than 30 minutes at checkpoints, recent accounts show long queues. A CNN editor experienced a 72-minute wait at a checkpoint in Atlanta, a significant increase from typical wait times.
Compounding these travel woes, up to 20 million people faced winter weather alerts recently, with snowfall predictions of one to two feet across parts of the Midwest. This led to thousands of flight cancellations, particularly in Chicago, which saw over 1,200 canceled flights on just one day.
This situation highlights a broader issue: the impact of government decisions on ordinary lives. As long as the shutdown continues, both travelers and TSA agents will bear the burden of its consequences. The urgency for solutions feels more pressing than ever.
For more information on TSA operations during shutdowns, you can refer to the [TSA Annual Report](https://www.tsa.gov/sites/default/files/tsa_annual-report-on-transportation-security-fy-2022_final_signed.pdf).
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