TSA Agents Working Without Pay Amid Another Shutdown

Travelers may face longer security lines as DHS funding lapses

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

The shutdown could disrupt air travel as the busy spring break travel season approaches, potentially leading to longer wait times and missed or delayed flights. This comes after a previous 43-day government shutdown last year that caused historic flight cancellations and delays.

The details

About 95% of TSA workers are deemed essential personnel and required to keep working without pay. Disruptions to air travel tend to build over time, not overnight, but even a handful of unscheduled TSA absences could quickly lead to longer wait times at smaller airports. Airlines might also decide to delay departures in some cases to wait for passengers to clear screening, and shortages of TSA officers could slow the screening of checked luggage.

  • The DHS funding expired at midnight on February 14, 2026.
  • The previous 43-day government shutdown that led to historic flight cancellations and delays ended on November 12 of the previous year.

The players

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

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

U.S. Travel

A trade group for the U.S. travel industry.

Airlines for America

A trade group for major airlines.

American Hotel & Lodging Association

A trade group for the hotel and lodging industry.

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What’s next

Lawmakers in both chambers were on notice to return if a deal to end the shutdown is struck.

The takeaway

This shutdown could lead to significant disruptions to air travel, especially as the busy spring break season approaches, highlighting the need for a timely resolution to avoid further impacts on travelers and the broader economy.