During a new U.S. government shutdown, Transportation Security Administration workers are expected to keep screening passengers and bags at airports nationwide while continuing to work without pay, according to a report by the Associated Press.
The DHS shutdown took effect early Saturday, when Homeland Security funding expired at midnight, while other parts of the federal government retained funding until later dates. The TSA is the agency responsible for airport security screening, and travelers who booked trips are facing uncertainty about whether staffing or screening flow could slow.
Officials said aviation operations may be less disrupted than during prior shutdowns involving multiple parts of the federal government. The report noted that air-traffic controllers, which are hired by the Federal Aviation Administration, are expected to receive their salaries normally because of remaining funding, lowering the risk of broad flight cancellations.
At the same time, the DHS contingency plan classifies much of the TSA workforce as essential. The plan says roughly 95% of TSA employees are considered essential and are expected to keep working during the lapse, even though the agency’s funding is paused.
Whether and where delays show up could still depend on day-to-day staffing and which checkpoints run at smaller airports, where a partial absence can reduce throughput quickly. The report said it is difficult to predict “if, when or where” problems would emerge, but advised travelers to account for additional time at security.
John Rose, risk director at the travel management firm Altour, said that even a small number of unplanned absences could translate into longer waits, especially at airports with fewer screening lanes. He also recommended that passengers plan to arrive early rather than relying on wait-time estimates posted online for the day of departure.
Rose warned that travelers may misjudge schedules if they check the estimated wait time and then later realize they still need to get to the airport and clear security. “I recommend to people that they do this even in normal times,” Rose said, urging extra buffer beyond whatever the website indicates.
In addition, Rose said screening delays could be influenced by how passengers pack. He advised travelers to pay attention to prohibited items that can lengthen the review process in carry-on bags, and to follow the TSA guidance for what is allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage.
The report also described operational ripple effects beyond the security checkpoint itself. Rich Davis, senior security adviser for the risk management firm International SOS, said airlines might adjust departure timing to wait until all passengers complete screening, while fewer TSA agents could slow behind-the-scenes checks of checked luggage.
Rose also said TSA staff may be dealing with both staffing constraints and increased frustration from travelers during the period without pay. “Not only are they not being paid, they’re probably also working with less staff and dealing with angry travelers,” he said.
In discussing how long the shutdown could last, the report said the White House was negotiating with Democratic lawmakers but did not reach an agreement before lawmakers scheduled to leave Washington for a 10-day recess. Lawmakers were told to return if a deal ends the shutdown.
Democrats in Congress said they would not support additional DHS funding unless new restrictions are imposed on federal immigration operations, the report said, linking the conditions to references including the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good after they were killed by ICE officers in Minneapolis last month.
Industry groups also warned that the longer the shutdown continues, the more travel could be disrupted as spring vacation approaches. In a joint statement, U.S. Travel, Airlines for America, and the American Hotel & Lodging Association said the situation threatens missed or delayed flights by increasing the risk of unplanned absences and staffing issues at TSA.