When will TSA lines go back to normal? Travelers may face delays for days or weeks
When will TSA lines go back to normal? Travelers may face delays for days or weeks
The ongoing government shutdown has left TSA officers without pay for over a month, and while wages are set to resume on Monday, travelers might still encounter extended security delays. President Donald Trump issued an executive order Thursday to ensure TSA staff receive their salaries, ending a 40-day stretch of unpaid work. However, former TSA Administrator John S. Pistole suggests this action alone won’t resolve the issue quickly.
“This is just a short-term solution,” Pistole told NBC News. “The real question is how many people actually return to their roles now that paychecks are coming back.”
According to the Department of Homeland Security, more than 500 agents have left their posts during the shutdown, while thousands have called in sick due to financial strain. Callout rates hit 12.35% of the workforce on Friday, impacting over 3,560 employees, as confirmed by a DHS spokesperson Saturday.
Staffing shortages have disrupted air travel, causing flight cancellations, missed departures, and rising concerns among passengers. The TSA has started distributing pay as early as Monday, March 30, at Trump’s directive and under Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin. If most officers return to duty, wait times could ease within days or weeks, Pistole said.
“It really depends on how many people show up,” Pistole added. “Some who left may already have other jobs, so it’s unclear if they’ll come back after getting their paycheck.”
He also noted that the uncertainty, paired with TSA’s typical annual attrition rate of about 7%, could prolong delays beyond the pay restoration.
Until staffing levels stabilize, travelers are encouraged to explore alternatives like driving or public transit. “Many are now considering those options, wondering if they’re more dependable,” Pistole remarked. “The last thing you want is to arrive at Bush International Airport and wait four hours.”
Mirna Alsharif is a breaking news reporter for NBC News. Jay Blackman is an NBC News producer covering transportation, space, medical, and consumer issues.
