The TSA has never permanently shut down, but it has closed screening operations during government funding lapses

The Transportation Security Administration has not ceased operations permanently. However, during federal government shutdowns—when Congress does not pass a budget and funding stops—TSA screening at airports has halted. The most recent shutdown that affected TSA operations lasted 35 days, from December 22, 2018, to January 25, 2019. During that period, TSA officers continued to work without pay, but no new hiring or training occurred, and some airport screening lanes closed due to staffing shortages.

Shutdowns are temporary funding gaps that happen when Congress and the President cannot agree on a budget. They are not the same as the TSA being "shut down" in the sense of closing permanently or ceasing all functions. During a shutdown, TSA officers still report to work—they straightforward do not receive paychecks until funding resumes. Screening continues, though it may slow down or become less consistent depending on how many officers call out sick or take unpaid leave.

Key Takeaways

  • The TSA has operated continuously since its creation in 2001, though government shutdowns have temporarily disrupted screening operations.
  • During a shutdown, TSA officers work without pay and airport screening may slow down or close some lanes due to staffing shortages.
  • The longest shutdown affecting TSA was 35 days in late 2018 and early 2019, when some airports experienced significant delays.
  • You can check the current TSA status and any operational changes on the TSA website or by calling your airport directly.

What happens to airport screening during a government shutdown

When the federal government shuts down, TSA officers are considered "essential personnel" and must continue working. However, they do not receive paychecks. This creates real problems: officers may take unpaid leave, call out sick, or leave the job entirely to find paid work elsewhere. When staffing drops, airports reduce the number of open screening lanes, which causes longer wait times for passengers.

During the 35-day shutdown of 2018–2019, some major airports reported screening delays of 30 minutes to over an hour during peak travel times. Smaller airports sometimes closed entire terminals or reduced hours. The TSA also paused background checks for new officers and suspended training programs, meaning no new screeners could be hired or trained until funding returned.

How often has the TSA been affected by shutdowns

Since the TSA was created in 2001, the agency has been affected by multiple government shutdowns. Notable ones include a 16-day shutdown in October 2013, a 3-day shutdown in January 2018, and the 35-day shutdown from December 2018 to January 2019. Smaller, brief shutdowns have also occurred but caused minimal disruption to screening operations.

The 2018–2019 shutdown was the longest and had the most visible impact on travelers because it lasted through the busy holiday travel season and into January. Airports in major cities like Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New York reported the worst delays. However, even during that shutdown, the TSA did not close—it continued screening passengers, albeit more slowly and with reduced staffing.

Signs that TSA operations are affected

If a government shutdown is happening, you may notice longer lines at security checkpoints, fewer open screening lanes, and longer overall wait times to get through the airport. Some airports may announce reduced hours or temporary closures of certain terminals. Staff may appear stressed or fatigued, since they are working without pay.

You can check the TSA website or call your specific airport to learn whether screening operations are running normally. The TSA also posts updates on social media and its official website when shutdowns are affecting operations. Many airports display wait time estimates online, which can help you plan your arrival time.

What to do if you are traveling during a shutdown

Arrive at the airport earlier than you normally would—plan for an extra 30 minutes to an hour if a shutdown is ongoing. Bring all required documents: a valid ID and your boarding pass. Have your carry-on bag packed according to TSA rules, and remove liquids, electronics, and metal items before you reach the checkpoint to move through screening as quickly as possible.

Check the TSA website or your airline's website the day before you travel to see if there are any reported delays or operational changes. If you are traveling during a shutdown and experience extreme delays, contact your airline about rebooking options. Some airlines have offered flexibility during past shutdowns, though policies vary.

How the TSA prepares for potential shutdowns

The TSA maintains contingency plans for shutdowns, including guidance on which officers are essential and must work, and how to manage screening with reduced staffing. The agency also stockpiles supplies and ensures that critical systems remain operational. However, the agency cannot prevent the staffing shortages that occur when officers take unpaid leave.

Congress has also considered legislation to may support TSA officers receive pay during shutdowns, since the current system creates hardship for workers and disrupts airport operations. Some proposals would classify TSA officers as non-essential to shutdown rules, meaning they would continue to receive paychecks. As of now, no such law has passed, and TSA officers still work without pay during shutdowns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the TSA currently shut down?

The TSA is operating normally unless a government shutdown is actively happening. You can check the TSA website or call your airport to confirm current operations. If Congress has not passed a budget, a shutdown may be in effect, but the TSA will still be screening passengers—just possibly with longer wait times.

Do TSA officers get paid during a shutdown?

No. TSA officers are classified as essential personnel and must work, but they do not receive paychecks until Congress passes a budget and funding resumes. Back pay is usually issued once the shutdown ends, but officers face financial hardship during the shutdown period.

Will my flight be cancelled if there is a TSA shutdown?

Flights are not automatically cancelled during a TSA shutdown. However, screening may be slower, which could cause some passengers to miss flights if they arrive late. Airlines may also cancel flights if too many TSA officers call out sick and screening becomes too slow to process passengers.

How long do government shutdowns usually last?

Shutdowns vary in length. Recent ones have lasted from a few days to 35 days. There is no set duration—it depends on how long Congress and the President take to reach a budget agreement. You can check news sources or Congress.gov to see if a shutdown is currently happening.