Security Lines Grow as TSA Workers Go Unpaid During Shutdown

Travelers at airports across the U.S. face lengthy waits as TSA staffing dwindles due to the ongoing partial government shutdown.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 8:55pm

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The partial government shutdown has left around 50,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers working without pay since February 14th. As a result, security checkpoints at airports nationwide have been shuttered, leading to snaking lines that extend far outside terminal buildings. More than 300 TSA officers have quit since the shutdown began, and those remaining are taking on second jobs to make ends meet as their paychecks have stopped. Aviation experts warn that the TSA is being used as a "political football" in the budget standoff, urging Congress to immediately fund the Department of Homeland Security to resolve the travel disruptions.

Why it matters

The growing airport delays and security line chaos caused by the TSA staffing shortages highlight the real-world impact the political stalemate in Washington is having on ordinary Americans. With no end to the shutdown in sight, the travel industry is sounding the alarm that the situation is unsustainable and could worsen, potentially disrupting the plans of millions of flyers.

The details

TSA officers, who make an average salary of $50,000, have missed their first full paycheck since the shutdown began on February 14th. Many are taking on second jobs or calling in sick to work those jobs, while some have already been evicted from their homes due to inability to pay rent. Airport security wait times have ballooned, with some travelers at major hubs like Houston, Atlanta, and New York being told to arrive 3 hours before their flights. Aviation experts say the TSA is being used as a "political pawn" in the budget fight, and are urging Congress to immediately fund the Department of Homeland Security to resolve the travel disruptions.

  • The partial government shutdown began on February 14, 2026.
  • TSA officers missed their first full paycheck on Friday, March 15, 2026.
  • More than 300 TSA officers have quit since the shutdown started.

The players

Christine Vitel

A TSA officer at Chicago O'Hare International Airport and the executive vice president of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 777, a union representing TSA officers in Illinois and Wisconsin.

Angela Grana

A TSA officer at Durango-La Plata County Airport in southwest Colorado and the regional vice president of A.F.G.E. Local 1127.

Sheldon H. Jacobson

An aviation security researcher and professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign whose work formed the basis for the creation of TSA PreCheck.

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What they’re saying

“Our officers are coming to work, but there's going to be a breaking point sooner or later.”

— Christine Vitel, TSA officer and union executive

“We're still trying to pay the late fees. We're still trying to ask our creditors to please give us a break.”

— Angela Grana, TSA officer and union regional vice president

“TSA is being held hostage. But nobody wants to take those steps, because you lose political chips when you compromise.”

— Sheldon H. Jacobson, Aviation security researcher and professor

What’s next

Aviation industry leaders have called on Congress to immediately fund the Department of Homeland Security and pass legislation that would pay TSA officers and air traffic controllers during future government shutdowns.

The takeaway

The growing airport security chaos caused by the TSA staffing shortages during the government shutdown highlights the real-world impact that political gridlock in Washington can have on ordinary Americans. With no end to the shutdown in sight, the travel industry warns the situation is unsustainable and could worsen, potentially disrupting the plans of millions of flyers.