TSA officers keep working during a shutdown, but without pay until funding returns

When Congress fails to pass a budget and a government shutdown begins, the Transportation Security Administration continues to operate. TSA officers still screen passengers, still work security checkpoints, and still perform their regular duties. The difference is that they work without receiving a paycheck for as long as the shutdown lasts.

This is because TSA is considered "essential personnel" under federal shutdown rules. The agency must maintain airport security regardless of whether Congress has funded it. Once the shutdown ends and funding resumes, TSA workers receive back pay for all the days they worked without compensation.

Airport operations themselves continue normally during a shutdown. Flights depart and land on schedule. Passengers move through security lines as usual. The only visible change for most travelers is longer wait times at some airports, because some TSA officers call in sick when they are not being paid, and staffing levels drop.

Key Takeaways

  • TSA security screening continues during a shutdown because airport security is considered essential, so you can still fly and go through normal security procedures.
  • TSA officers work without pay during a shutdown but receive back pay once Congress restores funding, so the shutdown does not permanently reduce their income.
  • Wait times at security checkpoints often increase during shutdowns because some officers do not report to work when paychecks stop, even though they are required to.
  • Airports remain open and flights operate normally, but you may experience delays getting through security if your airport is understaffed.

Why TSA stays open when other agencies close

Federal law designates certain agencies and functions as "essential" during a shutdown. TSA falls into this category because closing airport security would create a direct safety risk and disrupt commerce across the country. The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees TSA, must keep security operations running.

Other agencies shut down completely during a budget lapse. The National Park Service closes visitor centers and facilities. The IRS stops processing tax returns. The Department of Agriculture stops inspecting food. But TSA, like the military, law enforcement, and air traffic control, continues working because stopping would cause when ready harm.

This designation has been consistent across multiple shutdowns. Even during the 35-day shutdown from December 2018 to January 2019, the longest in U.S. history, TSA officers reported to work every day.

How a shutdown affects wait times at security

Even though TSA must stay open, shutdowns create real delays for travelers. When officers do not receive paychecks, some choose not to work. Absenteeism rises sharply during shutdowns. A 2019 report found that unscheduled absences among TSA officers increased by roughly 50 percent during the December 2018 shutdown compared to the same period the previous year.

Airports with thinner staffing margins feel this effect most acutely. A major hub like Atlanta or Dallas can absorb a few missing officers. A smaller regional airport may have only one or two security lanes open instead of three or four. The result is longer lines, sometimes stretching 45 minutes to an hour or more.

TSA publishes wait time estimates on its website and through the MyTSA mobile app. During a shutdown, checking these before you arrive at the airport helps you plan. Arriving earlier than usual is also wise if a shutdown is ongoing.

Back pay and when officers receive it

TSA officers and all other federal employees designated as essential receive back pay once Congress passes a new budget and the President signs it. The pay covers every day worked during the shutdown, calculated at the officer's regular rate.

The timing of back pay varies. After the 2018–2019 shutdown ended on January 25, 2019, most federal employees received their back pay within one to two weeks. Some received it within days. The exact timeline depends on how quickly the payroll system processes the retroactive payments and how the agency distributes them.

During the shutdown itself, officers receive no income. This creates real hardship for workers living paycheck to paycheck. Some take out loans or use credit cards to cover expenses. Federal employee unions have pushed for legislation to prevent shutdowns or to pay essential workers during them, but no such law has passed.

What you should know before traveling during a shutdown

If you are flying during a government shutdown, plan for longer security lines. Arrive at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight, or three hours before an international flight. This gives you a buffer if lines are longer than normal.

Check the TSA wait times on the MyTSA app or at tsa.gov before you leave for the airport. Some airports publish real-time wait estimates. If your airport shows unusually long waits, leaving even earlier is worth the peace of mind.

TSA PreCheck and other trusted traveler programs continue to operate during a shutdown. If you have PreCheck, you can use the expedited security lane, which typically has shorter waits even when the main checkpoint is backed up.

Flights themselves are not canceled due to a shutdown. Air traffic control continues operating, airlines continue flying, and the FAA continues managing airspace. The only disruption is at the security checkpoint.

How long shutdowns typically last

Government shutdowns vary widely in length. Some last only a few days. The 2018–2019 shutdown lasted 35 days. Others have lasted a week or two. The length depends on how long Congress and the President take to reach agreement on a budget.

There is no way to predict how long a shutdown will last once it begins. Congress may resolve the disagreement quickly, or negotiations may drag on for weeks. If you are planning to fly during a shutdown, check news sources for updates on budget negotiations, as these often signal how close Congress is to a resolution.

The TSA website and the Department of Homeland Security both post updates about shutdown impacts. Following these sources gives you the most current information about staffing levels and expected wait times.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. TSA continues screening passengers during a shutdown, so flights operate normally. The only disruption is potentially longer wait times at security. Airlines do not cancel flights because of a government shutdown unless the shutdown affects air traffic control, which is rare.

Do I still need to show my ID at security during a shutdown?

Yes. TSA security procedures do not change during a shutdown. You still need a valid ID, still go through the same screening process, and still follow the same rules about liquids and electronics. The only difference is that the officers screening you are working without pay.

Can I get a refund if my flight is delayed because of long security lines?

Airline refund policies do not cover delays caused by security screening, even during a shutdown. Airlines are not responsible for how long TSA takes to screen passengers. If your flight is delayed or canceled, check your airline's policy on rebooking or compensation.

Will TSA PreCheck lines be affected by a shutdown?

TSA PreCheck lines typically move faster than standard security lines even during a shutdown, because fewer people use them and they require less screening. However, if your airport is severely understaffed, all lines may be longer than usual. PreCheck still offers an advantage, but it is not a may provide of short waits.

How do I know if a shutdown is happening before I travel?

News outlets cover government shutdowns extensively. You can also check Congress.gov or the White House website for budget status. The TSA and Department of Homeland Security post shutdown information on their websites and social media accounts. If you are traveling within a few days of a potential shutdown date, checking these sources gives you current information.