Travelers Face Hours-Long Lines as Unpaid TSA Officers Call Out During Shutdown

Passengers at major U.S. airports are encountering severe delays and extended security lines as Transportation Security Administration officers increasingly call out or quit amid the ongoing partial government shutdown that has left them working without pay.

The Department of Homeland Security funding lapse, now entering its fifth week, has resulted in roughly 50,000 TSA officers going without full paychecks. Many missed their first complete paycheck last week, prompting a sharp rise in unscheduled absences and resignations. More than 366 TSA officers have quit since mid-February, and the national callout rate hit a record 10.19% on Sunday—more than double the normal rate.

Houston Hobby Airport has been among the hardest hit, with callout rates exceeding 50% and reaching 55% on one recent day. Similar spikes above 30% have been reported at New Orleans and Atlanta airports, forcing some checkpoints to close temporarily and causing lines to stretch for two to three hours or more at peak times.

Airline executives and travel experts warn the situation could worsen significantly as spring break travel surges, with record passenger volumes expected in the coming weeks. Travelers are being advised to arrive three hours early for domestic flights and to monitor real-time airport updates.

The disruptions stem from Congress’s failure to reach agreement on DHS funding, tied to disagreements over immigration enforcement reforms. TSA officers are considered essential workers and must continue reporting while awaiting back pay once the shutdown ends, but the financial strain has forced many to take second jobs or miss shifts.

The American Federation of Government Employees and airline industry leaders have urged lawmakers to resolve the impasse quickly to avoid further chaos for millions of spring break travelers.