POLITICS

TSA Missed Paychecks Cause Long Airport Security Lines

PUBLISHED Mar 14, 2026, 1:42 AM ET

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Atlanta: Airports nationwide experienced long security lines after TSA agents missed their first full paycheck amid a partial Department of Homeland Security funding lapse that began on February 14. Airports including Hartsfield-Jackson, William P. Hobby, Salt Lake City International, New Orleans and Philadelphia reported extended waits, occasional checkpoint closures, and reopened food pantries to assist unpaid workers. TSA officials and unions reported staffing losses, citing more than 300 resignations and that 60,000 employees received paychecks worth zero; some workers received half-paychecks earlier. Officials advised travelers to arrive earlier as spring break travel increased. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Sarah Whitman | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Feb. 14: DHS funding lapsed, initiating a partial shutdown.
Mid-February: Some TSA employees received reduced or half-paychecks.
Early March: Reports of staffing strain and longer airport security lines emerged.
Mid-March: TSA agents missed their first full paycheck; airports reported extended waits and closed checkpoints.
Mid-March: Local mitigations (food pantries, traveler advisories) and calls for Congress to restore funding increased.

News Intelligence

Your travel plans could be affected. Long security lines and checkpoint closures mean you'll need extra time at the airport. If you're flying soon, consider arriving earlier than usual.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 11
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Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 11

Who Benefited

Short-term beneficiaries may include passengers with expedited screening options and private security contractors who fill gaps; long-term systemic benefits depend on legislative resolution restoring DHS funding.

Who Impacted

TSA frontline employees, unpaid federal workers, travelers facing delays, airport operations experiencing strain, and local businesses relying on timely passenger flows suffered immediate negative effects.

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