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

The TSA does not close during a government shutdown. Screeners still work at airport checkpoints, but they do not receive paychecks until funding resumes. This means longer wait times, fewer open lanes, and slower processing at security checkpoints across the country. The agency operates on "emergency appropriations" that allow it to keep basic functions running without a budget.

How long the slowdown lasts depends on how long the shutdown lasts. A shutdown lasting a few days may cause noticeable delays at major airports. A shutdown lasting weeks can create serious backups, especially during peak travel times. TSA has historically called in off-duty staff during extended shutdowns to manage the volume, but this is voluntary work without when ready pay.

Key Takeaways

  • TSA checkpoints remain open during a shutdown, but screeners work without paychecks until funding returns.
  • Wait times typically increase because fewer staff members show up to work without when ready pay, and some lanes close.
  • The length and severity of delays depend on how long the shutdown lasts and how busy the airport is.
  • Travelers should plan for longer security lines and arrive earlier than usual if a shutdown is underway.
  • Other airport services like baggage handling and airline operations continue normally because airlines fund those directly.

How staffing shortages create checkpoint delays

During a shutdown, TSA screeners are considered "essential personnel" and must report to work. However, they do not receive paychecks. Some screeners call in sick or find other work rather than screen passengers for no when ready pay. This reduces the number of staff available at each checkpoint on any given day.

When fewer screeners are working, airports close security lanes to match staffing levels. A major airport that normally runs 15 open lanes might operate only 8 or 10. This forces all passengers through fewer checkpoints, creating longer lines even during normally quiet hours. Peak travel times—early morning, evening, and weekends—become significantly more congested.

The impact varies by airport size and location. Large hubs like Atlanta, Dallas, and Los Angeles see more noticeable delays because they handle higher volume. Smaller regional airports may experience minimal impact because they have fewer passengers to begin with.

What TSA services slow down or stop

Standard security screening continues, but other TSA functions may be delayed or paused. Background checks for new TSA PreCheck and Global Entry members typically slow down because the staff who process applications are not working. If you applied for PreCheck during a shutdown, your approval will take longer than the normal 3 to 5 business days.

TSA also reduces administrative work like updating security procedures, training new staff, and processing complaints. These are not customer-facing services, but they affect how smoothly the agency runs once funding returns. Maintenance of screening equipment may also be delayed, though critical repairs still happen.

Baggage screening and checked-bag handling continue because those functions are partly automated and partly staffed by airline employees, not TSA. Your luggage still gets screened and loaded onto your flight.

How long waits typically last at checkpoints

Wait times during a shutdown depend on the day, time, and airport. On a quiet Tuesday morning at a small airport, you might see no change. On a Friday evening at a major hub, you could wait 45 minutes to an hour longer than usual. The first few days of a shutdown often see the worst delays because travelers do not yet know to arrive earlier.

TSA publishes real-time wait times on its website and mobile app, updated throughout the day. These times reflect current conditions at each checkpoint, so you can check before you leave for the airport. If you see long waits, leaving earlier or using a different checkpoint (if your airport has multiple) may help.

Travelers with TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, or military ID still move through expedited lanes, which typically have shorter waits even during a shutdown. If you travel frequently, PreCheck can reduce the impact of shutdown delays on your schedule.

Planning your travel during a shutdown

If a shutdown is underway when you have a flight, arrive at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. This is longer than the normal recommendation, but it gives you a buffer if security lines are slow. Check TSA's wait-time tool before you leave home to see current conditions at your airport.

Pack light and follow standard TSA rules to move through security faster. Have your ID and boarding pass ready, remove shoes and electronics, and put liquids in a clear bag. These steps do not change during a shutdown, but they help you move through the line more quickly when staff are stretched thin.

If you have a connecting flight with a tight connection time, consider rebooking to a flight with a longer layover. A shutdown is not a reason airlines will automatically rebook you, so you may need to change your ticket yourself or contact the airline to discuss options.

Other airport services that continue normally

Airlines, airport restaurants, shops, and ground transportation all operate during a TSA shutdown because they are not funded by the federal government. Your flight departs on time, your luggage gets loaded, and you can buy food and drinks in the terminal. The only federal service directly affected is TSA security screening.

Airport operations like runway maintenance, air traffic control, and ground crew are funded separately and continue without interruption. You will not see delays caused by the airport itself—only by longer security lines at the checkpoint.

What happens when the shutdown ends

Once Congress passes a funding bill and the President signs it, TSA receives its budget and screeners receive back pay for the time they worked without paychecks. This usually happens within a few days of funding resuming. Wait times return to normal as more staff return to work and all security lanes reopen.

TSA does not prioritize catching up on delayed services like PreCheck applications when ready. These functions resume at normal pace once staffing is full again, so your process may still take several weeks to process even after the shutdown ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my flight be cancelled during a TSA shutdown?

No. Airlines continue flying and TSA continues screening passengers. Your flight departs on schedule. The only impact is longer wait times at security, not flight cancellations or delays caused by TSA itself.

Do I need to do anything special to get through security during a shutdown?

No. Security rules and procedures do not change. Just arrive earlier than usual to account for longer lines, have your ID and boarding pass ready, and follow standard TSA procedures. PreCheck and CLEAR still work and still offer faster lanes.

Will my TSA PreCheck process be delayed if I explore during a shutdown?

Yes. Background checks and approvals slow down because the staff who process applications are not working. If you applied during a shutdown, expect your approval to take longer than the normal 3 to 5 business days. Once funding returns, processing resumes at normal speed.

Can I get a refund for my flight if I miss it because of TSA delays?

Airline refund policies vary. Most airlines do not refund tickets missed due to security delays, but some may rebook you on a later flight at no charge. Contact your airline directly to ask about your options. Arriving earlier than usual is the best way to avoid missing your flight.

How do I check TSA wait times before I go to the airport?

Visit the TSA website or read the TSA mobile app. Both show real-time wait times for each security checkpoint at your airport, updated throughout the day. You can also call your airport directly to ask about current conditions.