Published

USA28 March, 20261 min read

Government Shutdown Forces TSA Layoffs, Creates Lines of 2-3 Hours at US Airports

Shutdown leaves TSA workers unpaid, triggering high call-out rates and staffing shortages. Travelers face multi-hour security lines at major airports due to shortages.

Read the story
Government Shutdown Forces TSA Layoffs, Creates Lines of 2-3 Hours at US Airports
Image: WUSA9

Shutdown Closes Checkpoints

The partial federal government shutdown left TSA workers unpaid and forced sudden closures of checkpoints. At BWI, passengers waited two to three hours just to check bags, then faced another couple of hours to clear security. Spring break and religious holidays triggered the busiest travel days as call-out rates exceeded 30-40% at major hubs.

Reporting for this sectionGrand Pinnacle TribuneBergen RecordCBS News

TSA Workers Unpaid for 42 Days

TSA workers have gone 42 days without pay due to the funding lapse. Nearly 500 TSA officers quit during the shutdown. TSA PreCheck and CLEAR lanes were also disrupted or unavailable.

Reporting for this sectionCBS NewsWTOPInternational Business Times Australia

Airlines Respond, TSA Back Pay Planned

Southwest agents delivered snacks and water to passengers. The Senate voted to fund most of DHS, a first step toward ending the shutdown. The measure moved to the House, which aimed to pass it before recess.

Reporting for this sectionBergen RecordFOX 5 DCCBS News

Traveler Frustration Mounts

Travelers described long waits, frustration and resignation. Equipment malfunctions and lane closures added to the chaos. Some travelers faced waits beyond five hours.

Reporting for this sectionGrand Pinnacle TribuneWTOPCBS News