TSA Agents Work Without Pay at U.S. Airports Due to Another Shutdown

Travelers brace for potential delays as DHS funding lapses, impacting airport security screenings.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A shutdown of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that took effect early Saturday impacts the agency responsible for screening passengers and bags at airports across the country. Transportation Security Administration officers are expected to work without pay while lawmakers remain without an agreement on DHS' annual funding. Trade groups for the U.S. travel industry and major airlines warned that the longer DHS appropriations are lapsed, the longer security lines at the nation's commercial airports could get.

Why it matters

This shutdown raises concerns about potential disruptions to air travel as the busy spring break travel season approaches. Past government shutdowns have led to historic flight cancellations and long delays at airports due to TSA staffing shortages, and experts say strains could surface more quickly this time as TSA workers remember the previous shutdown.

The details

About 95% of TSA workers are deemed essential personnel and required to keep working without pay during the shutdown. Unlike past shutdowns, the rest of the federal government is funded through September, meaning air traffic controllers will receive paychecks as usual, reducing the risk of widespread flight cancellations. However, airlines may still decide to delay departures to wait for passengers to clear security, and checked luggage screening could slow down due to TSA staffing shortages.

  • The DHS funding lapse took effect at midnight on February 14, 2026.
  • The previous 43-day government shutdown that led to historic flight cancellations and long delays ended on November 12, 2025.

The players

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The agency responsible for screening passengers and bags at airports across the country.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal agency that oversees the TSA and whose funding has lapsed, leading to the current shutdown.

U.S. Travel

A trade group for the U.S. travel industry that warned about the potential disruptions to air travel due to the shutdown.

Airlines for America

A trade group for major airlines that warned about the potential disruptions to air travel due to the shutdown.

American Hotel & Lodging Association

A trade group that warned about the potential disruptions to air travel due to the shutdown.

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What’s next

Lawmakers in both chambers of Congress were on notice to return if a deal to end the shutdown is struck, as Democrats have said they won't help approve more DHS funding until new restrictions are placed on federal immigration operations.

The takeaway

This shutdown highlights the ongoing challenges of political gridlock and its potential impact on critical government services like airport security. Travelers will need to plan ahead and allow extra time to get through security, as even a small number of TSA absences could lead to longer wait times at airports.