Passengers Demand TSA Officers Be Paid Amid Shutdown

Atlanta airport sees long lines as TSA staffing shortages cause delays

Mar. 21, 2026 at 10:18pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Passengers at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport are growing increasingly frustrated with the government shutdown's impact on airport security, with many arriving hours early for their flights due to long TSA checkpoint lines. TSA officers have not received paychecks since the partial government shutdown began on February 14, leading to staffing shortages and absenteeism. Passengers say the solution is simple - pay the TSA officers so they can continue securing the nation's airports.

Why it matters

The shutdown's impact on airport security is a growing concern, as delays and long lines at TSA checkpoints could disrupt air travel nationwide. With TSA officers going unpaid, there are fears that more will quit their jobs, further exacerbating staffing issues and security risks. Resolving the impasse to ensure TSA officers are compensated is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the aviation system.

The details

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of the world's busiest, is experiencing significant delays at TSA checkpoints due to the partial government shutdown. Many passengers are arriving up to four hours early for their flights, worried they may miss their flights due to the long lines. The shutdown has forced the closure of some checkpoints at times, leading to unpredictable wait times. TSA officers, considered essential federal employees, are working without pay, and union leaders say they are under financial pressure. At least 376 TSA officers have quit since the shutdown began, exacerbating staffing shortages.

  • The partial government shutdown began on February 14, 2026.
  • On Saturday, March 21, 2026, passengers at Atlanta's airport were facing long TSA checkpoint lines.

The players

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

One of the world's busiest airports, located in Atlanta, Georgia.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The federal agency responsible for airport security screening.

Christian Childress

A private flight attendant from Redwood City, California, who frequently travels through TSA checkpoints.

Tyrone Williams

A retiree from the Atlanta suburb of Ellenwood, Georgia, who was queued up for screening before his flight to Philadelphia.

Jackie Donahue

A nurse from Oldsmar, Florida, who was returning home to Tampa on a flight from a European river cruise.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Issue No. 1 should be paying the people who need to get paid and keeping our air travel system secure. Then they can debate whatever they want to debate about homeland security.”

— Christian Childress, Private Flight Attendant

“I don't want to go between the Democrats and the Republicans, but I think the Democrats are holding everything up because they can't get their way.”

— Tyrone Williams, Retiree

“We need to thank the people that are here.”

— Jackie Donahue, Nurse

What’s next

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said he would offer an alternative measure on Saturday to fund just the TSA, though it is likely to fail as lawmakers hold a rare weekend session.

The takeaway

The shutdown's impact on airport security has become a pressing issue, with passengers demanding that TSA officers be paid to maintain the integrity of the aviation system. Resolving the funding impasse to ensure TSA staffing and morale is crucial to avoiding further disruptions to air travel.