San Diego Airport Security Lines Improve as TSA Workers Receive Partial Pay

Longer wait times continue, but the situation is better than last week as the partial government shutdown drags on.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 8:07pm

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Most San Diego airport security officers received at least half a paycheck on Monday, and while lines were still longer than usual, the situation had improved compared to last week. Transportation Security Administration employees are still caught up in a partial government shutdown, but they started receiving some pay. However, the union representing TSA workers said a substantial amount of money is still missing from paychecks.

Why it matters

The partial government shutdown has left many TSA workers without full pay, leading to staffing shortages and longer security lines at airports across the country. The situation in San Diego highlights the ongoing impact of the shutdown on essential government services and the traveling public.

The details

Homeland Security officials said the partial pay was a temporary move and not a long-term funding solution. Congress has now entered a two-week recess without coming to an agreement on funding. Lawmakers have held up funding in a fight over immigration enforcement. Outside of the funding issues, there were also normal reasons for delays at San Diego's airport, including a heavy marine layer that led to a slowdown in departures and arrivals.

  • On Monday, March 30, 2026, most San Diego airport security officers received at least half a paycheck.
  • Last week, security lines at San Diego International Airport were longer than usual.

The players

Nyrine Washington

A San Diego spokeswoman with the American Federation of Government Employees union that represents TSA employees.

Nicole Hall

A spokeswoman for San Diego International Airport.

Robert Mack

A lead transportation officer at San Diego International Airport.

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What they’re saying

“A substantial amount of money is still missing from paychecks.”

— Nyrine Washington, San Diego spokeswoman, American Federation of Government Employees union

“We're happy to see lines are not as long today, and we're hoping that will continue to get better throughout the week.”

— Nicole Hall, Airport spokeswoman

“The president's executive order was a temporary move and not a long-term funding solution.”

— Robert Mack, Lead transportation officer, San Diego International Airport

What’s next

Congress is expected to return from its two-week recess and continue negotiations on a long-term funding solution for the partial government shutdown, which has left many TSA workers without full pay.

The takeaway

The partial pay received by San Diego TSA workers has helped improve security lines at the airport, but the ongoing funding uncertainty and political gridlock in Washington continue to impact essential government services and the traveling public.