TSA Agents Work Without Pay as Homeland Security Funding Stalls

Travelers face potential delays as shutdown impacts airport security

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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A shutdown of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has impacted the agency responsible for screening passengers and bags at airports across the country. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers are expected to work without pay while lawmakers remain without an agreement on DHS' annual funding. Trade groups for the U.S. travel industry and major airlines have warned that the longer the DHS appropriations are lapsed, the longer security lines at the nation's commercial airports could get.

Why it matters

The shutdown could lead to significant disruptions in air travel, especially as the busy spring break travel season approaches. Travelers may face longer security lines and potential flight delays if TSA staffing is impacted by unscheduled absences or call-outs due to the lack of pay.

The details

About 95% of TSA workers are deemed essential personnel and required to keep working during the shutdown, but they will not be receiving paychecks. During past shutdowns, disruptions to air travel tended to build over time, with TSA temporarily closing checkpoints and airlines reducing flight schedules. Experts say strains could surface at airports more quickly this time as the TSA workforce remembers the impacts of the last shutdown.

  • The DHS funding expired at midnight on February 14, 2026.
  • The rest of the federal government is funded through September 30, 2026.

The players

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The agency responsible for screening passengers and bags at airports across the country.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal agency that oversees the TSA and is impacted by the funding lapse.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The agency that employs air traffic controllers, who will continue to receive paychecks during the DHS shutdown.

U.S. Travel

A trade group that has warned about the potential disruptions to air travel due to the shutdown.

Airlines for America

A trade group representing major U.S. airlines that has also warned about the potential impacts of the DHS shutdown.

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What they’re saying

“You might not be able to get home if you're already out, or it might delay if you worked all week and you're trying to get home. It's really bad.”

— John Clark, Frequent traveler (Associated Press)

“It's still fresh in their minds and potentially their pocketbooks.”

— John Rose, Chief risk officer, Altour (Associated Press)

“I just hope that things start to get better before they get any worse.”

— Burnest R. Green (Associated Press)

What’s next

Lawmakers in both chambers were on notice to return if a deal to end the shutdown is struck.

The takeaway

This shutdown highlights the potential for significant disruptions to air travel if the impasse over DHS funding continues, especially as the busy spring break season approaches. Travelers should plan to arrive at airports early and be prepared for longer security lines and potential flight delays.