TSA Agents Work Without Pay as Homeland Security Shutdown Hits Airports
A shutdown of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security took effect early Saturday, directly impacting the Transportation Security Administration, the agency responsible for screening passengers and baggage at airports across the United States. This development has left TSA officers expected to work without pay while lawmakers remain at an impasse over the department's annual funding.
Travelers Recall Previous Shutdown Woes
Travelers with airline reservations may be anxiously remembering the 43-day government shutdown last year, which led to historic flight cancellations and extensive delays. TSA officers also worked through that record shutdown, which ended on November 12, but aviation experts suggest this new situation could unfold differently.
Trade groups for the U.S. travel industry and major airlines have issued warnings, stating that the longer Homeland Security appropriations remain lapsed, the longer security lines at commercial airports could become. Here is what travelers need to know about the latest shutdown and how to prepare accordingly.
Key Differences in This Shutdown
Funding for Homeland Security expired at midnight, but the rest of the federal government is funded through September 30. This means air traffic controllers employed by the Federal Aviation Administration will continue to receive paychecks as usual, potentially reducing the risk of widespread flight cancellations.
According to the department's contingency plan, approximately 95% of TSA workers are deemed essential personnel and required to keep working. Democrats in the House and Senate have stated that Homeland Security will not receive funding until new restrictions are placed on federal immigration operations.
During past shutdowns, disruptions to air travel tended to accumulate over time rather than occurring overnight. For example, about a month into last year's shutdown, TSA temporarily closed two checkpoints at Philadelphia International Airport. On that same day, the government took the extraordinary step of ordering all commercial airlines to reduce their domestic flight schedules.
John Rose, chief risk officer for global travel management company Altour, noted that strains could surface at airports more quickly this time because the TSA workforce will also be recalling the last shutdown. "It's still fresh in their minds and potentially their pocketbooks," Rose said.
Impact on Travelers and Security Screening
It is difficult to predict whether, when, or where security screening snags might emerge. Even a handful of unscheduled TSA absences could rapidly lead to longer wait times at smaller airports, particularly if there is only a single security checkpoint.
Therefore, travelers are advised to plan to arrive early and allow extra time to get through security. "I tell people to do this even in good times," Rose remarked.
Experts say flight delays remain a possibility even though air traffic controllers are not affected by the Homeland Security shutdown. Airlines might decide to delay departures in some cases to wait for passengers to clear screening, according to Rich Davis, senior security advisor at risk mitigation company International SOS.
Shortages of TSA officers could also slow the screening of checked luggage behind the scenes, adding another layer of potential disruption for travelers.
How Travelers Can Prepare
Most airports display security line wait times on their websites, but Rose advised against waiting until the day of a flight to check them. "You may look online and it says two-and-a-half hours," he explained. "Now it's two-and-a-half hours before your flight and you haven't left for the airport yet."
Passengers should also pay close attention while packing, as prohibited items are likely to prolong the screening process. For carry-on bags, avoid bringing full-size shampoo or other liquids, large gels or aerosols, and items like pocketknives. TSA provides a full list on its website detailing what is and is not allowed in carry-on and checked luggage.
At the airport, Rose emphasized the importance of "practicing patience and empathy." He added, "Not only are they not getting paid, but they're probably working with reduced staff and dealing with angry travelers," referring to TSA agents.
Will the Shutdown Drag On?
The White House has been negotiating with Democratic lawmakers, but the two sides failed to reach a deal by the end of the week before senators and members of Congress were set to leave Washington for a 10-day break. Lawmakers in both chambers were on notice, however, to return if a deal to end the shutdown is struck.
Democrats have stated they will not help approve more funding for Homeland Security until new restrictions are placed on federal immigration operations, following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis last month.
In a joint statement, U.S. Travel, Airlines for America, and the American Hotel & Lodging Association warned that the shutdown threatens to disrupt air travel as the busy spring break travel season approaches. "Travelers and the U.S. economy cannot afford to have essential TSA personnel working without pay, which increases the risk of unscheduled absences and call outs, and ultimately can lead to higher wait times and missed or delayed flights," the statement said.
