TSA Workers Not Paid During Government Shutdown, Airport Delays Possible

The US government has partially shut down. This means TSA workers will work without getting paid. People are worried this could lead to longer waits and flight delays at airports. We will continue to share updates.
By Newsroom | US News, Travel |

A partial U.S. government shutdown has begun, with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers expected to work without pay. This situation, arising from Congress's failure to pass funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has sparked widespread concern over potential disruptions to air travel, including longer wait times and delayed flights. While essential safety and security functions will continue, the unpaid status of TSA personnel, coupled with past experiences, raises anxieties about the operational strain on the workforce and its impact on airport efficiency.

HERE WE GO AGAIN: TSA warning of long waits, delayed flights in partial shutdown... - 1

The U.S. federal government entered a partial shutdown at midnight on Saturday, February 14, 2026. This occurred after lawmakers were unable to reach an agreement on funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The failure to pass funding bills is reportedly linked to disagreements over immigration reforms. Consequently, several agencies under the DHS umbrella, including the TSA and the U.S. Coast Guard, are directly affected by this lapse in funding.

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HERE WE GO AGAIN: TSA warning of long waits, delayed flights in partial shutdown... - 2

TSA officers, along with other federal employees performing essential duties, are required to continue working during the shutdown. However, they will do so without receiving their regular paychecks. This situation mirrors the experience of a previous lengthy shutdown, which lasted 43 days. During that time, TSA officers maintained operations, but an increase in unscheduled absences and subsequent delays were observed at some airports as the shutdown persisted.

HERE WE GO AGAIN: TSA warning of long waits, delayed flights in partial shutdown... - 3

The core issue is the unpaid labor of TSA officers during a federal funding lapse, directly impacting airport operations and traveler experience.

HERE WE GO AGAIN: TSA warning of long waits, delayed flights in partial shutdown... - 4

Unpaid Labor and Workforce Strain

TSA officers are expected to work without immediate compensation as lawmakers continue negotiations. This puts a significant financial strain on these employees, many of whom experienced similar difficulties during the record-breaking 43-day shutdown that concluded in late 2025. The prospect of working without pay is particularly challenging for those still recovering from the financial stress of the previous shutdown.

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  • Financial Hardship: Many TSA employees are facing a difficult financial situation due to the unpaid work.

  • Repeated Impact: This is not the first time TSA workers have been in this position, compounding the stress.

  • Workforce Morale: The continued expectation to work without pay can negatively affect employee morale and dedication.

Potential for Airport Delays and Disruptions

While TSA checkpoints will not close down, the prolonged absence of pay can lead to increased stress and potential for unscheduled absences among TSA personnel. Past shutdowns have demonstrated a correlation between these factors and a rise in wait times and delays at airports. Travel groups and airlines have issued warnings about possible disruptions, prompting travelers to monitor airport wait times and consider opting into programs like TSA PreCheck.

  • Increased Wait Times: Unscheduled absences can directly translate into longer queues at security checkpoints.

  • Airport-Specific Issues: Some airports may experience more pronounced delays than others, as seen in the previous shutdown with temporary checkpoint closures.

  • Traveler Preparedness: Travelers are advised to check airport websites for real-time wait times and explore available expedited screening options.

Legislative Impasse and Collateral Damage

The shutdown is a direct result of a stalemate in Congress regarding DHS funding, exacerbated by disagreements over immigration policies. Lawmakers are increasingly highlighting the "collateral damage" of such shutdowns, including the impact on essential government services and federal workers, as a means of applying pressure to reach a funding agreement. The U.S. Coast Guard, also overseen by DHS, may face operational challenges as well.

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  • Stalled Negotiations: The inability of Congress to pass funding bills is the root cause of the shutdown.

  • Focus on Consequences: The negative effects on workers and services are being used as leverage in political discussions.

  • Broader Agency Impact: Beyond TSA, other DHS-affiliated agencies face potential disruptions.

TSA's Prior Warnings and Industry Reactions

The TSA has previously warned lawmakers about the potential consequences of a DHS shutdown, specifically citing the risk of longer lines and increased wait times for travelers. While the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and air traffic controllers are not directly affected by this DHS funding lapse, airlines have expressed concerns about potential flight disruptions stemming from TSA operational issues.

  • Official Communications: The TSA has formally communicated its concerns to Congress.

  • Industry Alerts: Airlines and travel groups are proactively informing the public about potential travel impacts.

  • Indirect Flight Effects: Although FAA operations are secure, TSA issues can indirectly affect flight schedules and passenger flow.

  • Expert Analysis

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"The experience of past shutdowns shows that while TSA officers are dedicated and will show up to work, the stress of working without pay, especially for those already facing financial difficulties, can lead to increased fatigue and a higher likelihood of unscheduled absences. This directly impacts the number of officers available at checkpoints, and over time, can lead to significant delays for travelers." - Statement from a travel industry analyst, cited in multiple reports.

"Lawmakers are facing a difficult decision. On one hand, they are trying to achieve policy goals related to immigration. On the other hand, they are responsible for the functioning of government and the well-being of federal employees. The ongoing shutdown illustrates the real-world consequences of these political disagreements, disproportionately affecting the workforce." - Observation from a political commentator.

Conclusion and Outlook

The current partial government shutdown places TSA officers in the untenable position of performing essential duties without pay, a situation that echoes previous disruptions. While immediate airport closures are not anticipated, the prolonged unpaid labor poses a significant risk to workforce stability and operational efficiency, leading to the likely increase in airport delays and traveler inconvenience. The duration of the shutdown will be a critical factor in determining the extent of these impacts. As negotiations continue, the focus remains on reaching a funding agreement to restore pay to federal workers and ensure the smooth operation of critical infrastructure like airports.

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  • Key Findings:

  • TSA officers are working without pay due to a DHS funding lapse.

  • Past shutdowns indicate a strong correlation between unpaid labor and increased airport delays.

  • Travelers are advised to prepare for potential disruptions.

  • Implications:

  • Continued unpaid work could lead to a decline in TSA workforce availability.

  • Public trust in government's ability to manage essential services may be eroded.

  • Next Steps:

  • Congressional resolution of DHS funding is paramount.

  • Monitoring of airport wait times and operational status is advised.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are TSA workers not getting paid?
The US government had a partial shutdown because lawmakers could not agree on money for the Department of Homeland Security. TSA workers are required to work but will not get paid right away.
Q: Will airports close?
No, TSA checkpoints will not close. But workers might not come to work if they are not paid, which could cause longer lines.
Q: What should travelers do?
Travelers should check airport wait times and consider using programs like TSA PreCheck to get through security faster.
Q: How long will this last?
It is not clear how long the shutdown will last. It depends on when lawmakers agree on the funding.