Flying for the Weekend? The TSA Still Doesn’t Pay, What You Should Know
There’s nothing like getting to the airport too early during a partial government shutdown, and that’s especially true this weekend.
Airports across the country have seen TSA lines and balloon wait times due to Transportation Security Administration staffing shortages, and spring break isn’t helping.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport expects more than 3.7 million spring break travelers to pass through between Thursday, March 19 and Monday, March 23.
The world’s busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, is also expecting high capacity and is advising travelers to arrive at least three hours before scheduled flight departure.
Before heading to the airport, here’s what you should know.
When to Arrive at the Airport
In general, travelers are advised to arrive two hours early for domestic flights and three hours early for international flights, but travelers should check their airport website for information about security lines and plan to leave extra time before their flight.
Best case scenario, you get security early. Pack a book, phone charger or snacks to take with you on the go.
Worst case scenario, you don’t give yourself enough time and miss your flight entirely.
How to Check TSA Wait Times
The TSA does not update wait times on its MyTSA mobile app during the government shutdown, but some airports update wait times on their websites and social media.
Not all airports specify how early travelers should arrive, but airports such as Newark Liberty International advise passengers to “please allow additional travel time” due to long waits at security.
What You Owe If You Miss Your Flight
Generally, airlines don’t owe you anything if you miss a flight due to something out of their control. However, some airlines may rebook you on the next available flight as a courtesy.
Yes, travelers can’t control how long security checks take during a government shutdown, but they can control how early they get to the airport.
Airports May Be Closed
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in an interview with CNBC Thursday night that small airports could be forced to close if the TSA staff shortage continues, warning that it will happen next week as officials will miss another payment.
“This is going to look like child’s play going on right now. You’re going to see small airports, I believe, closed. You’re going to see long lines, and air travel is going to grid-halt, stop,” Duffy said.
That underscored a warning from TSA Acting Administrator Adam Stahl earlier this week, who also said smaller airports could be forced to close temporarily if the partial government shutdown continues.
Why Does the TSA Wait So Long?
TSA employees are not being paid during the partial government shutdown, due to a lack of funding at the Department of Homeland Security. During the last government shutdown last fall, many government employees had to pick up side jobs to survive. Some could no longer pay for children.
“Many TSA officers can’t pay rent, buy food, or afford to put gas in their cars – forcing them to call in sick on the job. At Houston Hobby Airport, callouts were up a staggering 55% over the weekend,” the Department of Homeland Security wrote in X on March 17.
On the same day, DHS noted that 366 TSA officers have left the job since the shutdown began, suggesting long-term impacts even after the shutdown ends. “These losses significantly reduce TSA’s ability to meet passenger demand and leave critical gaps in staffing, as each hire requires 4-6 MONTHS of training,” the department said.
This article first appeared in USA TODAY: Flying this weekend? The TSA still hasn’t paid, what you need to know.
Reporting by Eve Chen and Zach Wichter, USA TODAY / USA TODAY
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
