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San Diego Airport Sees Ebbs and Flows as TSA Workers Expect Paychecks
Long security lines could be over as TSA employees set to receive paychecks after government shutdown
Mar. 31, 2026 at 12:50am
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With spring break in full swing, San Diego International Airport saw ebbs and flows of passengers heading into security lines during the early morning hours on Monday. The airport is encouraging travelers to arrive 2.5 hours before their flights, as the busiest times are between 4-10 AM, with peaks from 6-8 AM and again around lunch and evening. However, the extremely long security lines could be over, as TSA workers are expected to start receiving paychecks following President Trump's executive order to pay them through the partial government shutdown.
Why it matters
The partial government shutdown had a significant impact on TSA operations, leading to staffing shortages and extremely long security lines at airports across the country. The resumption of paychecks for TSA workers is expected to help alleviate the situation and improve the travel experience for passengers at San Diego International Airport and beyond.
The details
San Diego International Airport saw ebbs and flows of passengers heading into security lines during the early morning hours on Monday, with some of the busiest times between 4:30-5:00 AM. The airport is encouraging travelers to arrive 2.5 hours before their flights, as the busiest times are between 4-10 AM, with peaks from 6-8 AM and again around lunch and evening. However, the extremely long security lines could be over, as TSA workers are expected to start receiving paychecks today following President Trump's executive order to pay them through the partial government shutdown.
- The early morning hours on Monday, March 31, 2026 saw ebbs and flows of passengers heading into security lines.
- Some of the busiest times were between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m. on Monday, March 31, 2026.
- TSA workers are expected to start receiving paychecks on Monday, March 31, 2026.
The players
San Diego International Airport
The main airport serving the San Diego metropolitan area, located just north of downtown San Diego.
President Donald Trump
The 45th President of the United States, who issued an executive order to pay TSA workers through the partial government shutdown.
What they’re saying
“It's unfortunate. These people are working very hard. We need to get them paid. We got them paid. I believe paychecks are coming tomorrow. So, you just wonder how long, what's the delay, are there people that have already found new jobs? Not sure what's going to be going on, I'm just hopeful of the situation. This is...right now I'm just trying to make my flight.”
— Andrew Breyer, Traveler
What’s next
The airport and TSA will continue to monitor passenger volume and staffing levels to ensure efficient security screening during the busy spring break travel season.
The takeaway
The resumption of paychecks for TSA workers is a positive step in addressing the staffing shortages and long security lines that have plagued airports during the partial government shutdown. However, the travel industry and passengers will need to remain vigilant and adaptable as the situation continues to evolve.
