The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has warned that an impending government shutdown could result in longer wait times for travelers at airport security checkpoints. The warning comes as the TSA announced it was waiting a record 40 million air passengers take off during the two-week holiday period that began Thursday.
Most TSA workers, about 95%, are considered essential and would therefore remain on the job during a shutdown – but without pay – TSA Administrator David Pekoske said in an article on X.
Air traffic controllers are also considered essential employees and are expected to work without pay. Employees would be paid after the shutdown ends.
Here’s how a government shutdown will affect air travel for consumers.
Will the government shutdown affect flights?
Not for now. Passengers will still be able to travel on the flights they have booked, and operations should continue as normal at least in the first few days of a closure. Indeed, TSA agents, air traffic controllers and other essential airport personnel will remain on duty.
Will TSA screening lines be longer?
While passengers are still encouraged to arrive at the airport earlier than usual during peak periods, this advice could be even more applicable during a closure.
“While our staff is prepared to handle large numbers of travelers and keep travel safe, please be aware that an extended closure could result in longer wait times at airports,” TSA’s Pekoske warned.
“My advice? Arrive at your airport early, with plenty of time to park your car, check your bags and go through security,” he added.
The last government shutdown, in 2018-2019, lasted 35 days. While TSA agents were also deemed essential at the time, the number of agents calling in sick increased as the shutdown dragged on and financial problems ensued.
“It was after TSA agents started missing paychecks that you saw the number of sick calls increase,” said Kris Van Cleave, a transportation official and national correspondent for CBS News. “There may not be an immediate impact at all airports, particularly if it is a short-term closure. If the closure is prolonged, then you will have a workforce “work that is among the lowest paid government employees,” he said.
If, in the event of a prolonged government shutdown, TSA employees stop reporting to work in significant numbers, wait times at security checkpoints will likely increase.
And the air traffic controllers?
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is already grappling with a shortage of air traffic controllers, charged with securing the nation’s airspace by guiding takeoffs and landings and ensuring planes don’t fly too close together. . About a month after the last stop, LaGuardia Airport flights temporarily delayed due to lack of personnel, particularly among air traffic controllers.
In the event of a shutdown, the more than 14,000 air traffic controllers in the United States would have to report to work without being paid.
What would a government shutdown mean for passport processing?
According to the State Department’s contingency plan, consular operations will continue as normal “as long as there are sufficient costs to support the operation,” given that they are an integral part of national security. This includes passport and visa services.
However, some passport services may be limited if located in buildings operated by another inoperative agency.
