Airport Security Lines Shutdown as TSA Employees Miss Paychecks

Travelers face long waits at airports as government shutdown drags on, impacting TSA staffing.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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A partial government shutdown has left the Department of Homeland Security unfunded, causing Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screeners to miss paychecks just as the busy Spring Break travel season begins. Airports in cities like Houston, New Orleans, Atlanta, and Charlotte have seen security lines stretch for hours, with TSA advising passengers to arrive several hours early for flights. While TSA PreCheck lanes remain open, the shutdown has crippled staffing and led to increasing absences among TSA workers who live paycheck-to-paycheck.

Why it matters

The ongoing government shutdown is having a direct impact on air travel, with long security lines causing major disruptions for passengers. This highlights the political gridlock in Washington and the real-world consequences it can have on everyday Americans. It also raises questions about the resilience of the TSA workforce and whether the agency is adequately staffed and funded to handle surges in travel demand.

The details

The shutdown began in mid-February when funding for the Department of Homeland Security lapsed amid a standoff between Republicans and Democrats over immigration reform. About 61,000 TSA employees must continue working during the shutdown, but many are now missing paychecks. An increasing number of TSA screeners are taking unscheduled time off, exacerbating the staffing shortages. Airports in major hubs like Houston, New Orleans, Atlanta, and Charlotte have seen security lines stretch for hours, with TSA advising passengers to arrive several hours before their flights.

  • The government shutdown began in mid-February 2026.
  • TSA employees received only a partial paycheck on February 28, 2026.
  • TSA employees will miss their first full paycheck on March 14, 2026.
  • The shutdown is ongoing as of March 10, 2026.

The players

Department of Homeland Security

The federal agency that includes the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and other high-profile agencies like the Coast Guard, FEMA, Customs and Border Protection, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The agency responsible for airport security screening, with over 61,000 employees who must continue working during the government shutdown.

Johnny Jones

Secretary-treasurer of AFGE TSA Council 100, the union which represents TSA employees.

Lauren Bis

A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security.

Kristi Noem

The former Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, who was fired by President Trump last week.

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What they’re saying

“This (shutdown) is a catastrophe for the workforce.”

— Johnny Jones, Secretary-treasurer of AFGE TSA Council 100 (CNN)

“These frontline heroes received only partial paychecks earlier this month and now face their first full missed paycheck, leading to financial hardship, absences, and crippling staffing shortages.”

— Lauren Bis, DHS spokesperson (CNN)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The ongoing government shutdown is having a direct and disruptive impact on air travel, with long security lines at major airports causing significant inconvenience for passengers. This highlights the need for Congress to find a bipartisan solution to fund the Department of Homeland Security and ensure TSA workers are paid, in order to maintain the smooth operation of the nation's air travel system.