As TSA agents miss another paycheck, what's happening at airports with private security?

NPR
by Joel Rose
March 26, 2026
1 min read

Quick Insights

The Bottom Line

TSA agents missed paychecks while private security contractors at 20 airports continued receiving pay during the shutdown.

How This Affects You

If you fly from one of 20 airports with private security, screening may continue uninterrupted during federal shutdowns unlike TSA-staffed airports.

AI Summary

At 20 U.S. airports, privately contracted security screeners continue receiving paychecks while TSA agents miss payments during the ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown. These private contractors operate outside the federal system that has left TSA workers without compensation. The disparity is raising questions about whether more airports will consider privatizing their security operations to avoid similar disruptions in future shutdowns.

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