What happens to TSA during a government shutdown

During a government shutdown, the TSA continues to operate and screen passengers at airport security checkpoints. TSA officers are considered essential personnel, which means they report to work even when the federal government is not funded. However, they do not receive paychecks while the shutdown is ongoing — they work without pay until Congress passes a funding bill and the shutdown ends.

Airport security does not stop, but the shutdown creates real strain on the system. With officers working without income, some call in sick or leave their posts to find temporary work elsewhere. This can lead to longer wait times at security checkpoints, particularly at busy airports and during peak travel hours. The TSA also cannot conduct routine maintenance on screening equipment or hire new officers during a shutdown.

Passenger screening standards remain the same — the TSA does not lower security requirements or skip procedures because of funding gaps. What changes is the speed and consistency with which those procedures happen.

Key Takeaways

  • TSA officers continue working during a shutdown but do not receive paychecks until funding is restored.
  • Security checkpoints stay open and screening procedures do not change, but wait times often increase because some officers do not show up for shifts.
  • The TSA cannot hire new staff, conduct equipment maintenance, or process background checks for new officers during a shutdown.
  • Longer lines are most likely at major hub airports and during early morning and evening peak hours.
  • Once Congress passes a funding bill, officers receive back pay and normal operations resume within days.

Why TSA wait times get longer during shutdowns

When officers work without pay, absenteeism rises. Some officers take unpaid leave or find temporary jobs to cover bills. Others reduce their hours or request schedule changes. The result is fewer screening lanes open at any given time, even though the TSA does not officially reduce its workforce.

The effect is most visible at airports that rely on a smaller pool of officers. A major hub like Atlanta or Dallas can absorb some absences. A smaller regional airport with only a handful of officers may have to close screening lanes entirely during certain hours.

The TSA does not publish real-time wait time data during shutdowns, but passengers at major airports have reported waits of 45 minutes to over an hour during previous shutdowns, compared to typical waits of 10 to 20 minutes. Peak travel times — early morning, late afternoon, and evening — see the worst delays.

What you should do if you are flying during a shutdown

Arrive at the airport earlier than you normally would. The TSA recommends arriving two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight under normal circumstances. During a shutdown with expected staffing shortages, add an extra 30 minutes to an hour to that timeline.

Check your airline's website or call ahead to ask about current wait times at your specific airport. Some airlines post real-time security wait estimates on their websites or apps. You can also call the TSA directly at 1-855-787-2227 to ask about conditions at your airport, though response times may be slower during a shutdown.

Use TSA PreCheck or CLEAR if you have either program. PreCheck allows you to go through expedited screening in a separate lane, and CLEAR lets you skip the ID check line entirely. Both can significantly reduce your time in the checkpoint during periods of high volume.

What does not change during a TSA shutdown

Security screening procedures remain exactly the same. You still remove shoes, belts, and jackets. You still place liquids in a quart-sized bag. You still go through the metal detector or advanced imaging technology scanner. The TSA does not relax any rules or skip any steps because of a shutdown.

Prohibited items are still prohibited. The TSA does not allow firearms, large knives, or other weapons through security checkpoints, and a shutdown does not change that. If you are unsure whether an item is allowed, check the TSA's "What Can I Bring?" tool on its website before you pack.

Your flight itself is not affected by a TSA shutdown. Once you clear security, the airline operates normally. Air traffic control also continues during a shutdown because controllers are essential personnel, just like TSA officers.

How long shutdowns typically last and when you get back to normal

Government shutdowns vary in length. Some last a few days; others have lasted several weeks. The longest recent shutdown lasted 35 days, from December 2018 to January 2019. There is no way to predict how long a shutdown will last because it depends on when Congress passes a funding bill.

Once Congress passes a bill and the President signs it, the shutdown ends when ready. TSA officers return to normal pay status and receive back pay for the time they worked without compensation. Within one to two days, staffing levels return to normal and wait times drop back to typical levels.

If you are planning travel during a shutdown, check news sources for updates on when Congress is expected to vote on a funding bill. That timing will tell you whether conditions are likely to improve before your flight.

TSA staffing and morale during extended shutdowns

The longer a shutdown lasts, the more officers leave the TSA or request extended leave. During the 35-day shutdown in 2018 and 2019, some airports reported absenteeism rates above 10 percent. Officers cited financial hardship, with many unable to pay mortgages, childcare, or other bills while working without pay.

The TSA also cannot conduct background checks or onboard training for new officers during a shutdown. This means that even after a shutdown ends, it takes time to return to full staffing levels if officers have left. Some airports have reported staffing shortages lasting weeks after a shutdown ended.

Congress has discussed making TSA officers essential personnel who receive pay during shutdowns, similar to how other federal law enforcement agencies are treated, but no law has changed this yet. For now, TSA officers work without pay during every shutdown.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The TSA shutdown does not cancel flights. Airlines and air traffic control continue operating normally. You may experience longer wait times at security, but your flight will depart as scheduled unless weather or other factors cause delays.

Can I get through security faster if I have TSA PreCheck?

Yes. TSA PreCheck allows you to use a separate, faster screening lane. During a shutdown with staffing shortages, PreCheck can save you 20 to 30 minutes or more, depending on how busy your airport is. CLEAR, which lets you skip the ID verification line, is even faster.

What if I miss my flight because of long security lines?

Contact your airline when ready. Most airlines will rebook you on the next available flight at no charge if you miss your flight due to security delays beyond your control. Have your boarding pass and a record of when you arrived at the airport to show the airline.

Do TSA officers get paid back after a shutdown ends?

Yes. Once Congress passes a funding bill and the shutdown ends, TSA officers receive back pay for all the time they worked without compensation. This can take one to two pay periods to process, but officers do receive the full amount owed.

Should I change my travel plans if a shutdown is happening?

That depends on how flexible your schedule is and how much longer wait times bother you. If you can arrive extra early and have time to spare, you can travel normally. If you have tight connections or cannot afford extra time at the airport, consider postponing your trip until after the shutdown ends and staffing returns to normal.