TSA officers keep working during a shutdown, but without pay
The Transportation Security Administration is classified as essential personnel, which means TSA officers must report to work and screen passengers even when the federal government shuts down. However, they work without receiving a paycheck until Congress passes a new budget and the shutdown ends. This has happened multiple times since 2013.
Airport security does not stop. Lines may move slower because some support staff are not working, but checkpoints remain open and screening continues at the same security level. You can still fly during a shutdown — the airport itself stays operational because it is not a federal facility, even though TSA is a federal agency.
The length of the shutdown determines how long officers work unpaid. Recent shutdowns have lasted anywhere from a few days to several weeks. During that time, TSA officers are not paid, though they typically receive back pay once the shutdown ends and funding resumes.
Key Takeaways
- TSA officers are required to work during a government shutdown and will screen your bags and documents as usual, but they do not receive paychecks while the shutdown is active.
- Airport security operations continue without interruption during a shutdown because TSA is classified as essential personnel.
- Some TSA support functions — like background checks for new hires or certain administrative services — may slow down or pause during a shutdown.
- Officers typically receive back pay once Congress passes a budget and funding resumes, though the timing varies.
- Flight schedules and airport operations are not directly affected by a TSA shutdown because airports themselves are not federal facilities.
Which TSA services slow down or stop during a shutdown
While checkpoint screening continues, other TSA functions do pause. Background investigations for TSA PreCheck and NEXUS applications stop, meaning you cannot start a new process or renew an existing one during a shutdown. Any applications already in progress are frozen until funding resumes.
TSA's administrative offices close, so you cannot reach customer service by phone or email for questions about your PreCheck status, lost ID, or other non-screening matters. The TSA website remains online but is not updated, and staff are not available to respond to inquiries.
Airport security technology maintenance and repairs may be delayed if they require contractor work or federal oversight. However, critical equipment failures are still addressed because security cannot be compromised.
How long you should expect delays at security checkpoints
Checkpoint wait times typically increase during a shutdown because some TSA staff who handle administrative work are furloughed and cannot information at security lines. The exact impact depends on the airport size and how many staff are pulled from screening duties to cover essential functions.
Major airports with high passenger volume may see 15 to 30 minute delays during peak hours, while smaller airports may experience little change. The slowdown is usually worst in the first few days of a shutdown, when staffing adjustments are still being made.
TSA does not publish official wait time estimates during shutdowns, so your best option is to arrive earlier than you normally would — the standard information is 2 hours for domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights, but add 30 minutes during a shutdown if you are traveling through a major hub.
What to bring to the checkpoint during a shutdown
Bring the same documents you always bring: a valid government-issued photo ID and your boarding pass. TSA does not change its screening requirements during a shutdown. Officers still verify your identity and boarding pass before you enter the checkpoint.
If you have TSA PreCheck, your membership remains valid and you can use the PreCheck lane even during a shutdown. Your membership does not expire because of a shutdown — only new applications and renewals are frozen.
If you were planning to renew your PreCheck or NEXUS during the shutdown window, you will need to wait until funding resumes. Check the TSA website after the shutdown ends to see when process processing restarts.
TSA PreCheck and NEXUS during a shutdown
If your PreCheck or NEXUS membership expires during a shutdown, you can still use it until the expiration date. The shutdown does not invalidate your membership early. However, you cannot renew it until the shutdown ends and TSA staff return to work.
If your membership expires while a shutdown is ongoing, you lose the benefits (expedited screening, keeping shoes and belt on) when ready on the expiration date. You will need to go through standard screening until you can renew after the shutdown ends.
Plan ahead if your membership is set to expire within the next few months. Renew before a shutdown begins if one is anticipated, or renew when ready after the shutdown ends if you miss the window.
What happens to TSA job applicants and new hires
TSA hiring freezes during a shutdown. If you have applied for a TSA officer position, your process processing stops and resumes after the shutdown ends. The timeline for your hiring decision will be delayed by however long the shutdown lasts.
If you were scheduled for a TSA officer interview or medical exam during a shutdown, that appointment is cancelled and rescheduled after funding resumes. You will be contacted with a new date once TSA staff return to work.
New hires who were supposed to start during a shutdown will have their start date pushed back. TSA does not bring new officers on board during a shutdown because training and onboarding require administrative staff who are furloughed.
How to stay informed about TSA during a shutdown
The TSA website (tsa.gov) publishes shutdown updates on its homepage. Check there first for official information about which services are affected and when normal operations will resume.
Your airport's website may also post information about expected security delays and staffing changes. Major airports often communicate directly with passengers about operational changes during a shutdown.
News outlets covering the shutdown will report on TSA impacts, but official TSA statements are more reliable than general shutdown coverage. Avoid social media rumors — wait for confirmation from TSA or your airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly during a government shutdown?
Yes. TSA officers continue screening passengers at all airports during a shutdown. You may experience longer wait times at security, but flights operate normally and you can travel as planned.
Will my TSA PreCheck work during a shutdown?
Yes, if your membership is still valid. You can use the PreCheck lane and enjoy expedited screening. You cannot renew or explore for new PreCheck during a shutdown, but existing memberships remain active.
What if my PreCheck expires during a shutdown?
You lose PreCheck benefits on the expiration date, even if the shutdown is ongoing. You will go through standard screening until you can renew after the shutdown ends. Renew before your expiration date if a shutdown is expected.
How much longer will security lines be?
Wait times typically increase by 15 to 30 minutes at major airports during peak hours, depending on staffing levels. Smaller airports may see little change. Arrive earlier than usual to account for delays.
When will TSA officers get paid?
TSA officers receive back pay once Congress passes a budget and the shutdown ends. The timing depends on how quickly the government reopens and how long it takes to process payroll for the shutdown period.