The TSA does not permanently shut down, but it does experience temporary closures during government funding lapses

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) continues operating even when Congress does not pass a budget, but during a government shutdown, the agency runs on a skeleton crew. TSA officers still screen passengers, but they work without pay until funding resumes. Airport security does not stop — it slows down. Wait times lengthen because fewer officers are working, and some airport services close entirely.

The last full shutdown that affected TSA operations lasted 35 days, from December 2018 to January 2019. During that time, some TSA officers called in sick rather than work unpaid, which created longer lines at major airports. The agency has a legal obligation to keep screening passengers regardless of funding status, so complete closure of security checkpoints does not happen.

A shutdown is different from a temporary staffing issue or a single airport closure. It is a federal-level event that affects all TSA operations nationwide when Congress fails to pass appropriations bills before the fiscal year ends or before a continuing resolution expires.

Key Takeaways

  • TSA officers continue screening passengers during a government shutdown but work without pay until funding returns.
  • Airport security checkpoints remain open during shutdowns, but staffing is reduced and wait times increase significantly.
  • A shutdown typically lasts days to weeks, depending on how long Congress takes to pass a budget or continuing resolution.
  • Other airport services — including some food vendors, retail shops, and customer service desks — may close during a shutdown.
  • You should plan for longer security lines and arrive at the airport earlier than usual if a shutdown is ongoing.

How TSA operates during a government shutdown

During a shutdown, TSA is classified as an essential service, which means officers must report to work even without pay. The agency does not close its doors or stop screening bags and passengers. However, staffing levels drop because some officers do not show up, and the agency cannot hire temporary workers or conduct training.

The exact impact depends on the airport. Large hubs like Atlanta, Dallas, and Los Angeles see noticeable delays because they process thousands of passengers daily. Smaller regional airports may experience minimal disruption. TSA has published wait time data during past shutdowns, and major airports reported increases of 20 to 40 minutes during peak hours.

Administrative functions also slow down. Background checks for trusted traveler programs like TSA PreCheck and CLEAR pause. Baggage handling and lost-and-found services may be reduced or unavailable. The agency cannot process new applications or renew existing ones until funding resumes.

What happens to airport services beyond security screening

TSA is only one part of airport operations. During a shutdown, other federal employees also work without pay or are furloughed entirely. This affects air traffic control, which is run by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Air traffic controllers are also essential personnel and continue working unpaid, but the FAA cannot conduct maintenance on equipment or hire new staff.

Airport restaurants, shops, and rental car counters are usually run by private companies and remain open. However, some services close if they depend on federal employees — for example, customs and border protection officers at international terminals work without pay, and some international flights may experience delays.

Parking, ground transportation, and airline operations are not affected by a federal shutdown because airlines and airport operators are private entities. Your flight may still be delayed due to reduced air traffic control staffing or longer security lines, but the delay is indirect.

How long shutdowns typically last

A government shutdown lasts until Congress passes a new budget or a continuing resolution — a temporary funding measure that keeps the government running while negotiations continue. Recent shutdowns have lasted anywhere from a few days to over a month.

The 2018–2019 shutdown lasted 35 days and was the longest in U.S. history. The 2013 shutdown lasted 16 days. Most shutdowns are resolved within a week because the disruption affects the economy and public pressure builds quickly. However, there is no fixed timeline — it depends entirely on whether Congress can reach agreement.

You can track shutdown status through official government websites. Congress announces when a shutdown is about to occur, usually giving a few hours' notice. News outlets also cover shutdowns extensively, so you will likely hear about one before it happens.

Planning your travel during a TSA shutdown

If a shutdown is ongoing when you plan to fly, arrive at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. This is longer than the standard recommendation and accounts for reduced TSA staffing and longer security lines.

Check your airline's website for any schedule changes or delays. Some airlines add extra flights or adjust timing during shutdowns to manage the backlog. TSA publishes real-time wait times on its website, which you can check before heading to the airport.

If you hold TSA PreCheck or CLEAR, those programs may not be fully staffed during a shutdown. PreCheck lanes may close entirely at smaller airports. CLEAR kiosks may be unavailable. Do not rely on these programs to speed up your screening during a shutdown — plan for standard security line wait times instead.

Bring your ID and have your boarding pass ready before you reach the checkpoint. Remove liquids, electronics, and metal items before you reach the scanner to keep the line moving. These steps help TSA officers work more efficiently when staffing is reduced.

What you cannot do during a shutdown

You cannot renew or explore for TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, or other trusted traveler programs during a shutdown. The TSA cannot process new applications or conduct background checks. If your PreCheck or CLEAR membership expires during a shutdown, you cannot renew it until funding resumes.

You cannot contact TSA customer service for most issues. The agency's phone lines and email support are not staffed during a shutdown. If you have a question about screening procedures or need to report a security concern, you will have to wait until funding resumes.

You can still fly, and you can still go through security screening. The checkpoint will be open, but it will be slower and more crowded than usual.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Airlines continue operating during a government shutdown. Your flight may be delayed because of longer security lines or reduced air traffic control staffing, but the airline will not cancel it solely because of a shutdown. Check your airline's website for any schedule changes.

Do I still need my ID to go through security during a shutdown?

Yes. TSA screening procedures do not change during a shutdown. You still need a valid government-issued ID and your boarding pass. Have both ready before you reach the checkpoint.

Can I get a refund if my flight is delayed because of a shutdown?

That depends on your airline's policy. Most airlines do not offer refunds for delays caused by security screening or air traffic control, even during a shutdown. Check your airline's website or contact them directly to understand their delay policy.

How do I know if a shutdown is happening?

Congress announces shutdowns in advance, usually within hours of the important date. News outlets cover shutdowns extensively. You can also check the official government website, shutdown.gov, or the TSA's social media accounts for updates.

Will TSA PreCheck work during a shutdown?

Maybe. PreCheck lanes may be staffed at large airports, but they may close at smaller ones. Do not count on PreCheck to speed up your screening during a shutdown. Plan for standard security line wait times and arrive early.