NEW YORK (AP) — Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers might finally see a paycheck after more than six weeks of waiting. President Trump has signed an executive order to ensure they get paid soon.
However, travel experts warn that the long security lines at many airports won’t disappear right away. TSA employees are still feeling the effects of a pay freeze, and Congress hasn’t resolved the budget issues affecting the Department of Homeland Security.
Eric Rosen, director of travel content for The Points Guy, notes that travelers should remain patient. “Until the checks are in hand, delays may still happen,” he said. “But at least it’s a positive step for both TSA officers and travelers.” With spring break approaching, and holidays like Passover and Easter, many people are eager to travel.
Since February 14, TSA personnel have been working without pay. The government shutdown led to many officers calling in sick, resulting in long wait times at airports in cities like Houston, Atlanta, and New York.
Caleb Harmon-Marshall, a former TSA officer and travel newsletter creator, believes pay stability is critical. Many TSA employees are struggling to cover their bills, and financial stress could keep them from returning to work in the long term. “They want assurance that their paychecks will continue,” he explained.
Past pay freezes and budget battles often led to staffing shortages. During this shutdown, about 40% of TSA officers at some airports were missing from their shifts, contributing to the chaos. The nationwide average showed over 11.8% of TSA staff missing work recently, a significant number for any organization.
However, expert Sheldon Jacobson, who helped design TSA PreCheck, reassures travelers. “The extensive waits in some airports are unusual,” he stated. Most airports have typical delays that shouldn’t drastically affect travel plans.
Airports need to reassess their staffing and may reopen some expedited service lanes. More than 500 officers left since the shutdown began, but this attrition isn’t far from the normal turnover rate of about 8% in this field. The training for new hires takes four to six months, meaning the staffing issue may persist for a while.
In conclusion, while there’s hope for a quicker resolution in pay, the full effects on staffing and airport operations may linger. Travelers should prepare for potential delays while the TSA and Congress address ongoing financial concerns.
Source link
Donald Trump, Airport security, General news, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, National, Eric Rosen, Sheldon Jacobson, Atlanta, Johnny Jones, New Orleans, U.S. news, Caleb Harmon-Marshall, Politics, Business, Houston, U.S. News
