Major U.S. Airport Asks for Help Amid TSA Crisis

Denver International Airport requests gift card donations to support unpaid TSA employees during government shutdown.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 10:33pm

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The ongoing partial government shutdown has been taking a toll on the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), with lengthy security line delays and staffing shortages causing major issues for workers and customers alike. In response, Denver International Airport is asking the public to donate $10 and $20 grocery store and gas gift cards to support their "dedicated TSA employees working without pay." At least one other airport, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, has also started a food pantry for TSA employees affected by the shutdown.

Why it matters

The TSA staffing shortages and long security lines caused by the government shutdown are disrupting air travel nationwide. Airports are stepping in to provide direct assistance to their TSA workers who are missing paychecks, highlighting the human impact of the political impasse.

The details

According to internal TSA statistics, unscheduled absences among airport security officers have more than doubled during the ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown, with more than 300 employees leaving the agency since the start of the DHS shutdown. In response, Denver International Airport is asking the public to donate $10 and $20 grocery store and gas gift cards for their "dedicated TSA employees working without pay." Federal employees cannot accept cash gifts or their equivalents, which is why Visa cards are not allowed. Meanwhile, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has started a food pantry for TSA employees, accepting donations of non-perishable food, hygiene items, and diapers.

  • The ongoing partial government shutdown has been taking its toll on the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
  • This past Wednesday, the official Twitter account for Denver International Airport issued a call for gift card donations.
  • On the same day of the Denver announcement, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport shared that they have started a food pantry for TSA employees.

The players

Denver International Airport

A major American airport that is requesting gift card donations to support its unpaid TSA employees during the government shutdown.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The federal agency responsible for airport security that is facing staffing shortages and long lines due to the ongoing government shutdown.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

Another major U.S. airport that has started a food pantry to assist its TSA employees affected by the government shutdown.

Phil Washington

The CEO of Denver International Airport, who stated that the airport's federal employees are "working tirelessly to ensure our airport operates efficiently and safely without getting paid."

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What they’re saying

“DONATIONS NEEDED! Support the dedicated TSA employees working without pay by donating $10 and $20 grocery store and gas gift cards.”

— Denver International Airport, Official Twitter account (Twitter)

“Once again, DEN's federal employees are working tirelessly to ensure our airport operates efficiently and safely without getting paid. TSA employees just missed their first paycheck, and as we enter a busy spring break travel period, we want to do what we can to ease the stress of this moment.”

— Phil Washington, CEO, Denver International Airport (The Gazette)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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