Airport Security Lines Grow as TSA Goes Unpaid in Partial Shutdown

The TSA is operating without pay during a partial government shutdown, triggering delays and longer security lines at major airports as unpaid officers call in sick and staffing drops. Travelers at some airports are being advised to arrive three hours before departure—twice the normal buffer—to navigate extended wait times. A union official warned of a "breaking point" if the shutdown persists, raising concerns that airport security operations could deteriorate further if officers continue to work without compensation. The shutdown has left roughly 51,000 TSA officers working without paychecks, a situation that typically worsens the longer a shutdown lasts as staff fatigue and morale collapse. The backup at security checkpoints could ripple across the aviation system, potentially causing missed flights and broader travel disruptions if unpaid staff reductions continue.