NYC Airport Security Lines Swell as Unpaid TSA Workers Call Out Sick

Government funding gridlock leaves federal employees working without pay, causing staffing shortages at checkpoints.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 9:04pm

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Travelers at New York City airports are experiencing longer-than-usual wait times at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints due to a significant increase in sick calls among TSA workers. The staffing shortages are a result of the ongoing government funding gridlock that has left federal employees, including around 95% of TSA staff deemed 'essential,' working without pay.

Why it matters

The reliance on essential workers continuing to perform their duties without pay highlights the personal cost of government shutdowns. The previous 43-day shutdown led to financial hardship for many TSA employees, and the agency is still grappling with a 25% increase in officer departures.

The details

On Friday, LaGuardia Airport terminals were crowded, with wait times exceeding an hour before subsiding. John F. Kennedy International Airport also reported long waits during peak travel periods. Airport websites are warning travelers that 'security wait times may be longer' and to 'allow significantly more time.' According to the TSA, approximately 10% of workers are calling out sick, a significant increase from the typical 2%.

  • On Friday, March 21, 2026, LaGuardia Airport terminals experienced long wait times exceeding an hour.
  • On the same day, John F. Kennedy International Airport also reported long wait times during peak travel periods.

The players

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

A federal agency responsible for security at U.S. airports, with around 95% of its employees considered essential and required to continue working without pay during the government shutdown.

Chuck Schumer

Senate Democratic Leader, who stated that Democrats have proposed bills to fund the TSA separately from ICE.

Kirsten Gillibrand

Senator from New York, who called the current situation 'sheer dysfunction.'

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.