politics
TSA wait times may not get better any time soon. Here's what you should know if you're flying
Travelers stuck in line for hours at airport security this week are the latest victims of a partial government shutdown that has dragged on for nearly a month.
TL;DR
- A partial government shutdown has caused long security lines at airports, with TSA screeners about to miss a paycheck.
- Airports like Houston's Hobby, New Orleans International, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson, Charlotte Douglas, and Houston's George Bush Intercontinental have seen extended wait times.
- TSA PreCheck lines are mostly open, but Global Entry is closed.
- Aviation officials urge Congress to fund DHS or find interim pay solutions for TSA workers.
- Legislation to guarantee federal employee pay during shutdowns has been introduced but not yet passed.
- Previous government shutdowns have led to similar travel disruptions and worker absences.
- TSA workers, averaging $35,000 annually, face financial hardship, with some resorting to taking other jobs or donating plasma.
- The shutdown is due to a funding stalemate over immigration reform, affecting Homeland Security agencies.
- The Department of Homeland Security is the last federal agency without funding for the fiscal year.
- TSA employees received a partial paycheck on February 28 and will miss their first full paycheck on March 14.
- There is no clear end in sight for the shutdown, though federal employees are guaranteed back pay.
- A bonus for TSA officers who worked during the last shutdown is not confirmed for this one.