TSA continues screening passengers during a DHS shutdown, but with reduced staffing and delayed services

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). When Congress does not pass a budget and DHS funding lapses, TSA officers still report to work — they are considered essential personnel. However, they work without pay until funding resumes, and other TSA functions slow down or stop entirely.

Airport security lines keep moving during a shutdown, but you may notice longer wait times, fewer staff at checkpoints, and delays in baggage screening. TSA PreCheck and other expedited programs continue operating, though staffing shortages can affect how quickly they process travelers. The agency does not close airports or stop screening; it operates with a skeleton crew and deferred maintenance.

Key Takeaways

  • TSA officers continue working during a DHS shutdown but do not receive paychecks until funding is restored.
  • Security screening at airports continues, but expect longer lines and reduced staffing at some checkpoints.
  • TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and other trusted traveler programs remain open, though processing may slow.
  • Baggage handling, background checks for new TSA hires, and facility maintenance are delayed or paused during a shutdown.
  • A shutdown typically lasts days to weeks, depending on how quickly Congress passes a new budget.

What happens to airport security screening during a shutdown

TSA officers are designated essential personnel, which means they must report to work even if the agency is not funded. Airports do not close, and passengers still go through metal detectors, body scanners, and baggage X-ray machines. The screening process itself does not stop.

What changes is staffing levels and speed. During previous shutdowns, some airports reported wait times of 30 minutes to over an hour at peak travel times, compared to typical 15- to 20-minute waits. Not every checkpoint opens, and some screening lanes close during slower periods. Officers work without knowing when they will be paid, which can affect morale and attendance — some call in sick rather than work unpaid shifts.

Baggage screening behind the scenes slows down. TSA uses explosive detection systems to screen checked bags, but with fewer staff, some bags take longer to clear. Passengers may experience delays in receiving their checked luggage after landing.

TSA PreCheck and trusted traveler programs during a shutdown

TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and other trusted traveler programs continue to function during a shutdown because they are fee-based and partially self-sustaining. If you already have TSA PreCheck, you can still use the expedited screening lanes. Your membership does not expire or pause.

However, if you are trying to renew your membership or explore for a new one, the process slows significantly. Background checks are delayed, and appointment scheduling may be frozen. New applications can take weeks longer than usual to process. If your membership is set to expire during a shutdown, contact TSA to ask about extensions — some shutdowns have resulted in automatic extensions for members whose renewals could not be processed.

What TSA services are delayed or paused

Several TSA functions stop or slow to a crawl during a shutdown. Background investigations for new TSA officer hires pause, so recruitment effectively stops. If TSA is hiring at your airport, those positions remain open but unfilled until funding resumes.

Facility maintenance and upgrades are deferred. Broken X-ray machines, malfunctioning body scanners, and other equipment repairs wait until the shutdown ends. This can indirectly affect screening speed if critical machines are out of service. Training for new officers and continuing education for current officers also stops.

TSA's Office of Security Operations, which handles policy and coordination, operates with minimal staff. This means responses to security incidents, policy changes, and administrative decisions are delayed. The agency's website and phone lines may have reduced staffing to answer questions.

How long shutdowns typically last and what to expect

A DHS shutdown lasts as long as Congress takes to pass a budget. Recent shutdowns have lasted anywhere from a few days to several weeks. The longest shutdown in U.S. history lasted 35 days, from December 2018 to January 2019.

During the shutdown, TSA publishes updates on its website and social media accounts about current conditions at major airports. Some airports post real-time wait times on their own websites. If you are traveling during a shutdown, check your airport's website before you go and plan to arrive earlier than usual — adding 30 to 45 minutes to your arrival time is a reasonable buffer.

Once Congress passes a budget and the President signs it, funding resumes when ready. TSA officers receive back pay for the period they worked without compensation. Services like background checks and facility maintenance resume, though there is usually a backlog of work to catch up on.

What you should do if you are traveling during a shutdown

Arrive at the airport earlier than you normally would. TSA recommends arriving two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight under normal conditions. During a shutdown, add 30 to 45 minutes to those times, especially during peak travel hours (early morning and evening).

Have your ID and boarding pass ready before you reach the checkpoint. TSA officers are working under stress and without pay; moving through the line efficiently helps everyone. If you have TSA PreCheck, use the expedited lane — it typically has shorter waits even during a shutdown.

Check your airport's website for real-time wait times before you leave home. Major airports like Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Chicago post current screening wait times online. If waits are extremely long, consider adjusting your travel time or using a different airport if you have that option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do TSA officers get paid during a shutdown?

No, TSA officers do not receive paychecks while a shutdown is in effect. They work without pay and receive back pay once Congress passes a budget and funding resumes. This typically happens within days to weeks, but officers must cover their own expenses in the meantime.

Will my flight be cancelled because of a TSA shutdown?

No, flights are not cancelled because of a TSA shutdown. Airports remain open and screening continues. However, longer security lines may cause some passengers to miss flights if they do not arrive early enough, so plan extra time.

Can I renew my TSA PreCheck during a shutdown?

Renewals and new applications are delayed during a shutdown because background checks are paused. If your membership expires during a shutdown, contact TSA about possible extensions. Some shutdowns have resulted in automatic extensions for members whose renewals could not be processed in time.

Are airports closed during a DHS shutdown?

No, airports remain open and operational. Security screening continues with TSA officers working without pay. The shutdown affects staffing levels and speed, not whether airports operate.

How do I find out how long the current shutdown will last?

Shutdown duration depends on Congress passing a budget, which is not predictable. Check TSA's official website and social media for updates on current conditions at your airport. Major news outlets also report on shutdown progress and when funding is expected to resume.