TSA Agents Work Without Pay as Another Shutdown Hits US Airports

Travel industry groups warn of potential disruptions to air travel ahead of busy spring break season

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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A shutdown of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has impacted the agency responsible for screening passengers and bags at airports across the country. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) 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 have warned that the longer the DHS appropriations are lapsed, the longer security lines at the nation's commercial airports could get.

Why it matters

The latest government shutdown threatens to disrupt air travel as the busy spring break travel period approaches. Travelers may face longer security lines and potential flight delays if the shutdown drags on, impacting both leisure and business travelers. This comes after a previous 43-day government shutdown last year that led to historic flight cancellations and long delays.

The details

About 95% of TSA workers are deemed essential personnel and required to keep working without pay. During past shutdowns, disruptions to air travel tended to build over time, but experts say strains could surface at airports more quickly this time because the TSA workforce will be remembering the last shutdown. Airlines might decide to delay departures in some cases to wait for passengers to clear screening, and shortages of TSA officers could also slow the screening of checked luggage.

  • The shutdown of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security took effect early Saturday, February 14, 2026.
  • The previous 43-day government shutdown ended on November 12.

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.

John Clark

A frequent business traveler who was impacted by the previous 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 business traveler (adn.com)

“It's still fresh in their minds and potentially their pocketbooks.”

— John Rose, Chief risk officer, Altour (adn.com)

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

— Rich Davis, Senior security adviser, International SOS (adn.com)

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

— Burnest R. Green (adn.com)

What’s next

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

The takeaway

This latest government shutdown highlights the ongoing challenges and disruptions that can occur when essential government agencies like the TSA are impacted, underscoring the need for reliable and consistent funding to ensure the smooth operation of the nation's air travel infrastructure, especially during peak travel seasons.