Travelers Demand Pay for TSA Officers Amid Shutdown

Passengers express frustration over long security lines and unpaid federal workers

Mar. 21, 2026 at 10:06pm

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Regardless of politics or destination, American air travelers were unified by one desire Saturday: It's time to pay Transportation Security Administration employees. TSA officers haven't gotten a paycheck since the U.S. Department of Homeland Security partly shut down on Feb. 14, leading to staffing shortages, long security lines, and growing concerns about the impact on air travel security.

Why it matters

The partial government shutdown has put a strain on the TSA workforce, with hundreds of officers quitting since the shutdown began and growing concerns about the impact on airport security. Travelers are increasingly frustrated by the long lines and unpaid federal workers, calling for a resolution to the political standoff.

The details

TSA officers have spent nearly half of the past 171 days with paychecks delayed by the political impasse, exacerbating turnover at an agency that already has some of the U.S. government's highest attrition and lowest employee morale. Staffing shortages have forced some airports to close checkpoints at times, with wait times swinging dramatically. President Trump has threatened to order immigration agents to assist with airport security starting Monday if Democrats don't agree to fund the Department of Homeland Security.

  • The U.S. Department of Homeland Security partly shut down on February 14, 2026.
  • TSA officers have gone without paychecks for 36 days and counting during the current shutdown.

The players

Patrice Clark

A traveler whose trip to Las Vegas began with a nearly four-hour wait in a security line at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.

Christian Childress

A private flight attendant who frequently goes through TSA checkpoints when flying commercial to get to his job.

Tyrone Williams

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

Merissa Thomas

A traveler who had a quick trip through a checkpoint at Reagan National Airport near Washington, D.C.

President Donald Trump

The President of the United States who has threatened to order immigration agents to assist with airport security starting Monday if Democrats don't agree to fund the Department of Homeland Security.

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What they’re saying

“Everybody got bills they have to pay, and it's horrible. Times are hard for everybody at this point. Working and not getting paid and gas prices are extremely high — like everybody needs their money. They need to pay them.”

— Patrice Clark

“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

“I'm so grateful for people who are willing to sacrifice a lot to make sure we're safe.”

— Merissa Thomas

What’s next

President Trump said he will order federal immigration officers to take a role in airport security starting Monday unless Democrats agree to fund the Department of Homeland Security.

The takeaway

The ongoing government shutdown has put a significant strain on the TSA workforce, leading to staffing shortages, long security lines, and growing concerns about the impact on air travel security. Travelers are increasingly frustrated and are calling for a resolution to the political standoff, emphasizing the need to pay TSA officers and keep the air travel system secure.