San Antonio Airport Lines Stay Short During TSA Pay Lapse

Despite TSA agents missing paychecks, San Antonio airport avoids long security delays seen at other hubs.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 7:03pm

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While some airports like New Orleans and Houston have experienced hours-long security delays due to the partial government shutdown and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents missing paychecks, the San Antonio International Airport has so far avoided such issues. Airport officials report that lines have remained short, with passengers moving through checkpoints in under 10 minutes. The TSA has blamed Democrats for the shutdown and delays, but San Antonio has not seen the same staffing shortages and long waits that have impacted other major airports.

Why it matters

The partial government shutdown and TSA pay lapse have led to staffing shortages and security delays at some of the busiest airports in the country, raising concerns about public safety and travel disruptions. However, San Antonio's airport has managed to maintain short lines, providing a counterpoint to the challenges faced elsewhere.

The details

The partial government shutdown began on February 14, and TSA agents missed their first full paychecks this week. Some airports, like those in New Orleans and Houston, experienced hours-long delays that they blamed on the shutdown and lack of TSA agents. However, San Antonio has so far avoided such issues, with passengers moving through checkpoints in under 10 minutes even at the end of the week. The TSA has released a video blaming Democrats for the shutdown and delays, but it was not being played at the San Antonio airport.

  • The partial government shutdown began on February 14, 2026.
  • TSA agents missed their first full paychecks on March 13, 2026.

The players

Jesus Saenz

The director of the San Antonio International Airport.

TSA

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration, which runs security checkpoints at airports.

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The takeaway

While the partial government shutdown and TSA pay lapse have led to staffing shortages and long security lines at airports in other parts of the country, San Antonio's airport has so far avoided such disruptions, providing a positive example of how some travel hubs are managing the challenges.