Line Sitters Offer Airport Security Services for a Fee

Travelers turn to stand-ins during TSA staffing shortage

Mar. 29, 2026 at 1:25am

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With the partial government shutdown leading to a staffing shortage at TSA checkpoints, a new job category has emerged - people paid to stand in security lines for travelers. Contractors like Steven Dial in Houston charge $65 per hour to move through the queues on behalf of passengers. While the President has signed an order to resume paying TSA agents, the backups persist, creating opportunities for companies that sell concierge-style access to alternative security lanes.

Why it matters

The TSA staffing shortage due to the government shutdown has led to long lines at airports, inconveniencing travelers. This has spawned a new industry of 'line sitters' who are paid to wait in security queues on behalf of passengers, as well as companies offering expedited security access for a premium fee.

The details

Nearly 500 TSA officers have resigned during the shutdown, and at some airports more than 40% of staff have called out on certain days, contributing to backups like those seen at Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport and Baltimore-Washington International. This creates an opportunity for contractors like Steven Dial, who said he spent his day moving through TSA queues on behalf of several travelers, charging $65 an hour plus airport parking. Companies such as Perq Soleil and SkySquad also sell concierge-style access to alternative security lanes in dozens of airports, with rates running from $79 per group to hundreds of dollars for expedited guidance.

  • On Friday, the Washington Post reported on the line sitting services at Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport.
  • The partial government shutdown that led to the TSA staffing shortage began in late 2018.

The players

Steven Dial

A contractor who spent his day moving through TSA queues at Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport on behalf of several travelers, charging $65 an hour plus airport parking.

Robert Samuel

The owner of a New York company called Same Ole Line Dudes, who said he is quoting $35 an hour for TSA lines, though no one had booked as of Friday.

Perq Soleil

A company that sells concierge-style access to alternative security lanes in dozens of airports, with rates running from $79 per group.

SkySquad

A company that sells concierge-style access to alternative security lanes in dozens of airports, with rates running up to hundreds of dollars for expedited guidance through check-in, security, and boarding.

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What they’re saying

“I spent my day moving through TSA queues on behalf of several travelers. I charge $65 an hour, plus airport parking.”

— Steven Dial, Contractor

“I am quoting $35 an hour for TSA lines, though no one had booked as of Friday.”

— Robert Samuel, Owner, Same Ole Line Dudes

What’s next

The President has signed an order to resume paying TSA agents, but it remains to be seen if the backups at airports will persist and continue to create opportunities for line sitting services and expedited security access companies.

The takeaway

The TSA staffing shortage due to the government shutdown has led to the rise of a new industry of 'line sitters' and companies offering premium airport security services, highlighting the inconvenience faced by travelers and the entrepreneurial spirit in addressing the problem.