TSA Agents Work Without Pay as Another Shutdown Hits US Airports

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

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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A shutdown of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that took effect on February 14, 2026 is impacting the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the agency responsible for screening passengers and bags at airports across the country. TSA officers are expected to work without pay while lawmakers remain without an agreement on DHS' annual funding. This shutdown comes just months after a record 43-day government shutdown that led to historic flight cancellations and long delays last year.

Why it matters

The latest shutdown raises concerns about potential disruptions to air travel as the busy spring break season approaches. While air traffic controllers employed by the Federal Aviation Administration will continue to receive paychecks, the lack of pay for TSA workers could lead to increased absences and longer security lines at airports nationwide.

The details

About 95% of TSA workers are deemed essential personnel and required to keep working during the shutdown, but they will not receive paychecks. During past shutdowns, disruptions to air travel tended to build over time, with TSA temporarily closing checkpoints and airlines reducing flight schedules. Experts say strains could surface at airports more quickly this time as TSA workers remember the impacts of the previous shutdown.

  • The DHS funding lapse took effect at midnight on February 14, 2026.
  • The previous 43-day government shutdown ended on November 12, 2025.

The players

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

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

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal agency that oversees the TSA and other critical security functions, whose funding has lapsed due to the shutdown.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The agency that employs air traffic controllers, who will continue to receive paychecks during the DHS shutdown.

U.S. Travel

A trade group for the U.S. travel industry that warned the shutdown threatens to disrupt air travel.

Airlines for America

The trade association representing major U.S. airlines, which also warned about the potential impact of the shutdown.

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What they’re saying

“You might not be able to get home if you're already out, or it might delay if you worked all week and you're trying to get home. It's really bad.”

— John Clark, Frequent Traveler (wwmt.com)

“I tell people to do this even in good times.”

— Rich Davis, Senior Security Adviser, International SOS (wwmt.com)

“I just hope that things start to get better before they get any worse.”

— Burnest R. Green (wwmt.com)

What’s next

Lawmakers in both the House and Senate have been put on notice to return to Washington if a deal to end the shutdown is struck, as Democrats have said they won't approve more DHS funding until new restrictions are placed on federal immigration operations.

The takeaway

This latest shutdown at the Department of Homeland Security underscores the ongoing challenges facing the U.S. travel industry, as disruptions to airport security screenings could lead to flight delays and cancellations during the busy spring break season. Travelers are advised to plan ahead, arrive early, and exercise patience as TSA agents work without pay to keep airports secure.