Major US airlines are urging Congress to restore funding for the Transportation Security Administration as the ongoing government shutdown leaves thousands of TSA officers working without pay. The dispute is already causing long airport security lines, missed connections, delays, and mounting costs for airlines and passengers during the busy spring break travel period.
Airlines for America and major US carriers are urging Congress to resolve the federal funding standoff that has left thousands of airport security officers unpaid, warning the situation is already disrupting travel across the United States and could worsen as spring break travel peaks.
Airline executives say the ongoing government shutdown is causing longer security lines, missed flights, and growing operational costs while undermining confidence in the country’s aviation system.
Airline CEOs Warn of Travel System Strain
The call for action comes from the chief executives of the largest US airlines, including:
- American Airlines
- United Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- Southwest Airlines
- JetBlue Airways
- Alaska Airlines
Cargo carriers, including FedEx and UPS, also joined the appeal.
In a joint letter to lawmakers, the airline leaders called on Congress to immediately restore funding for the Department of Homeland Security and ensure pay for workers at the Transportation Security Administration.
The airline industry warned that aviation security personnel and air traffic controllers are essential to maintaining the safe and efficient operation of the national airspace system and should not become casualties of political budget disputes.
Airlines for America
A4A advocates on behalf of its members to shape crucial policies and measures that promote safety, security and a healthy US airline industry.
Background: Why TSA Workers Are Unpaid
The crisis stems from a partial federal shutdown affecting the US Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the TSA.
The shutdown began after legislation failed to reach agreement on funding legislation tied largely to immigration enforcement and border policy disputes in Congress.
Under federal law, TSA officers are considered essential personnel and must continue working even when the government shuts down. However, they do not receive paychecks until funding legislation is passed.
Approximately 50,000 TSA officers across the country have continued screening passengers and baggage without pay since the shutdown began.
Staffing Shortages Emerging at Airports
Airlines say the lack of pay is beginning to affect staffing levels at airport security checkpoints.
Reports indicate that hundreds of TSA officers have resigned since the shutdown began, while absenteeism has increased as workers struggle with financial pressures.
As a result, some airports have experienced:
- Temporary closures of certain security lanes
- Reduced screening capacity
- Longer wait times at checkpoints
For airlines operating tightly coordinated schedules, even small disruptions in security processing can ripple across the entire network.
Passengers Facing Long Lines and Missed Connections
Travelers are already feeling the effects.
Several US airports have reported security lines stretching for hours, forcing passengers to arrive significantly earlier than usual.
Travel advisors and airlines are encouraging passengers to:
- Arrive at airports three to four hours before departure
- Allow extra time for connecting flights
- Check airline notifications for schedule updates
Long security queues are increasing the risk of missed flights and missed connections, especially for travelers on domestic itineraries with shorter transfer windows.
The timing is particularly problematic as airports enter the busy spring break travel period, when millions of Americans take vacations and family trips.
Airlines Facing Operational and Financial Impact
Airlines say they are doing their best to minimize disruptions by holding aircraft for delayed passengers when possible and rebooking travelers who miss flights due to security delays.
However, such measures carry significant costs.
Operational impacts include:
- Additional fuel burn when flights are delayed on the ground
- Increased rebooking and passenger service costs
- Crew disruption scheduling
- Potential flight cancellations if delays cascade through the system
Airports are also experiencing economic losses as overcrowded terminals reduce time passengers spend in retail and dining areas.
Airports Support Unpaid TSA Workers
In some cases, airport communities have stepped in to help unpaid security officers.
Several airports have launched donation drives and support programs to provide food, grocery cards, and other assistance to TSA employees who have missed paychecks.
These initiatives reflect growing concern across the aviation industry that prolonged shutdowns could threaten workforce stability in security screening and air traffic management.
Industry Push for Long-Term Legislative Solution
Airlines and travel industry groups say the current crisis highlights a structural weakness in the aviation system.
Industry leaders are urging Congress to adopt legislation ensuring that aviation safety personnel—including TSA officers and air traffic controllers—are automatically funded during government shutdowns.
According to airline executives, aviation security is part of the nation’s critical infrastructure and should not be disrupted by political impasses.
Until Congress resolves the funding dispute, however, travelers across the United States may continue to face longer airport lines, flight disruptions, and growing uncertainty in the nation’s air travel system.
Airlines of America Statement of President and CEO Chris Sununu
Today, tens of thousands of TSA employees are receiving empty paychecks. Zero dollars. Two weeks ago, these same TSA employees received partial paychecks. Last case, they had to survive 43 days without pay.
“This failure of the government to simply pay federal aviation employees is wrong. It is unfair. And it is a disgrace that Congress cannot reach an agreement or act on viable bipartisan solutions that have already been introduced.
“TSA employees have to put food on the table, put gas in their cars and pay their pension. Media reports include stories of TSA workers quitting their jobs in order to find something that does pay them in real time. One large airport has issued a public plea asking travelers to donate grocery store gift cards.
“During this spring travel season, we want to remind travelers that TSA officers are showing up for work, keeping our skies secure and doing their patriotic duty. Let’s all make it a priority to pack our patience and thank them for doing their jobs!”
