US travelers face long airport lines during spring break as TSA faces staffing issues

The Ongoing U.S. Government Shutdown and Its Impact on Travel

The U.S. government faced a partial shutdown that began on January 31st, primarily due to disagreements over funding for several federal agencies. While an agreement was reached by February 3rd, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) remained unresolved. A two-week extension was passed, but by February 14th, the lack of a final resolution led to another partial shutdown, affecting TSA employees and travelers nationwide.

Now entering its fourth week, the partial shutdown has left TSA workers without paychecks again. During the 2025 shutdown, which lasted 43 days, the TSA experienced high absenteeism, resulting in long security lines and travel disruptions. Industry leaders warn that history may repeat itself if the current situation is not resolved soon, especially with the upcoming spring break season, which is expected to be the busiest travel period of the year.

Concerns Over Spring Break Travel Disruptions

Travel industry leaders are urging Congress to act quickly to avoid potential delays and long lines at airports during the spring break season. With over 171 million passengers expected to fly this year, a 4% increase from last year, the pressure on TSA personnel is immense. However, as TSA employees continue to work without pay, some are taking second jobs, which could lead to increased absenteeism and further disruptions.

Todd Hauptli, head of the American Association of Airport Executives, warned that “sick outs” could occur, with screeners forced to seek other employment. He emphasized that while the TSA will do its best to keep lines moving, safety will not be compromised, leading to longer wait times for travelers.

Geoff Freeman, CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, called the shutdown “unfair” and “reckless,” highlighting the economic impact of running an industry with $3 trillion in annual activity on IOUs.

The Impact of the Global Entry Suspension

Adding to the challenges, the DHS has suspended the Global Entry program during the shutdown. Normally, this program allows pre-vetted, low-risk travelers to bypass standard security lines. However, industry leaders argue that suspending the program is counterproductive, as it forces more travelers into standard lanes, increasing congestion and delays.

Chris Sununu, CEO of Airlines for America, criticized the decision, stating that it’s a mistake to close the expedited lanes. “You can’t run an industry with $3 trillion in economic impact on IOUs,” he said.

Staffing Shortages and Financial Strain

Even before the current shutdown, the TSA was already facing staffing shortages. Last October and November, there was a more than 25% increase in TSA officer resignations compared to the same period in 2024. Many employees opted to call in sick or leave entirely due to financial stress and the lack of pay.

With the ongoing shutdown and the suspension of Global Entry, the situation is worsening. More unpaid TSA staff members are calling out sick, which could result in even longer wait times for travelers.

Preparing for Potential Delays

Experts like John Rose, Chief Risk Officer of Altour, advise travelers to arrive at the airport at least two-and-a-half to three hours early to account for possible delays. He also warned that missed flights could become a real risk if travelers don’t plan accordingly.

Rose urged passengers to practice patience and empathy, noting that TSA officers are working without pay while dealing with frustrated travelers. Additionally, he recommended purchasing travel insurance to cover costs such as missed vacation nights or emergency accommodations.

Leadership Changes and Uncertainty

Amid the uncertainty, President Donald Trump has appointed Markwayne Mullin as the new Secretary of Homeland Security, effective March 31st. However, no official statements have been made about when the partial shutdown might end.

Leaders have launched the “Pay Federal Aviation Workers” campaign, advocating for legislation to protect TSA employees from future pay issues. Whether this will be effective in time for spring break remains to be seen.

As travelers prepare for the busy season, they should remain vigilant and ready for potential delays. With the current situation still unresolved, the impact on air travel could be significant.