Airport Security During Government Shutdown: Impact And Insights

A government shutdown can have a significant impact on air travel, with the potential for long lines and delays at airports. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers and air traffic controllers are deemed essential workers and are required to work without pay during a shutdown. This has led to increased absenteeism in previous shutdowns, with many workers calling in sick or missing shifts due to financial difficulties. The resulting staff shortages can cause longer wait times at security checkpoints and potential flight delays or cancellations. The impact of a shutdown is compounded when it coincides with busy travel periods, such as holidays, further straining the system.

Air traffic controllers and TSA workers deemed essential but work without pay

Air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers are considered "excepted employees", or workers who perform jobs that affect national health, safety, emergency response, and other critical functions. As such, they are required to work without pay during a government shutdown.

During the 2018-2019 government shutdown, the absence of paychecks placed a financial strain on workers, some of whom earn less than $40,000 per year. This led to a significant increase in TSA agents calling out of work, with the national rate for unscheduled absences reaching 10%, a steep increase from the previous year's rate of just over 3%. At one point, this led to long lines at airports, with wait times to get through TSA checkpoints lasting over an hour in some places, and forced the Miami and Houston airports to temporarily close terminals.

Absenteeism also presents challenges for air traffic control. During the 2019 government shutdown, it only took 10 air traffic controllers calling out sick on the same day to temporarily halt travel at LaGuardia Airport in New York City and cause delays at several international airports. Air traffic controllers already work long hours under the tremendous responsibility of maintaining the reliability and safety of the nation's aviation network. A shutdown would strain them further, and the FAA's shortage of air traffic controllers continues to this day, resulting in flight delays.

According to TSA administrator David Pekoske, while the agency is prepared to handle high volumes of travelers and ensure safe travel, an extended shutdown could mean longer wait times at airports. "TSA employees would be required to remain on the job since they're considered essential, " Pekoske said. "However, they would not receive paychecks until the government reopens, at which point they'll receive back pay. That means that absenteeism is possible, as with other employees, and workers are less likely to volunteer for overtime shifts."

Absenteeism and sick outs increase among unpaid workers

A government shutdown can have a significant impact on airport security and operations. While airport security workers and air traffic controllers are required to work during a shutdown, they do so without pay. This can lead to an increase in absenteeism and "sick outs" among these essential workers.

During the 2018-2019 government shutdown, there was a notable increase in Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents calling out of work. Sick days spiked almost immediately after the shutdown began and continued to rise throughout its 35-day duration. At its peak, the national rate of unscheduled absences for TSA agents reached 10%, causing long lines at airports and temporary terminal closures in Miami and Houston.

Similarly, during a shutdown in 2019, a significant number of air traffic controllers called in sick or reported feeling fatigued. This resulted in a temporary shutdown at LaGuardia Airport and delays at several international airports, including Philadelphia, Newark, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta.

The impact of absenteeism and sick outs among unpaid airport security and air traffic control workers can have a ripple effect on airport operations, leading to longer wait times, flight delays, and even temporary closures.

In addition to the financial strain of working without pay, these essential workers also face the challenge of increased stress and longer hours during busy travel periods, such as the holiday season. The combination of these factors can contribute to a higher rate of absenteeism and sick outs, as seen in previous government shutdowns.

To mitigate the impact of a potential shutdown, it is crucial for legislators to pass necessary spending measures and avoid disruptions to airport operations and the travel plans of millions of Americans.

Longer lines and wait times at airport security

During a government shutdown, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers are deemed essential federal employees and are required to work without pay. In the past, this has led to an increase in TSA agents missing work and calling in sick. This was a significant challenge for the agency, leading to longer lines and wait times at airport security.

During the 2018-2019 government shutdown, many TSA officers called in sick, with the national rate of unscheduled absences for TSA agents reaching 10%, a steep increase from the previous year's rate of just over 3%. This resulted in long lines at airports, with wait times to get through TSA checkpoints lasting more than an hour in some places. The Miami and Houston airports were forced to temporarily close terminals due to the shortage of staff.

Similarly, during the 2019 government shutdown, TSA officer call-outs increased by up to 300% at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, with the national absence rate among airport screeners rising from 3% to 10%. These absences can cause significant disruptions to air travel, as even a few absences can bring the nation's aviation system to a standstill.

The increase in absenteeism among TSA agents during a government shutdown is often due to financial strain, as these workers are not receiving paychecks. Some may need to work second jobs or may not be able to afford childcare. Additionally, TSA officers don't receive routine raises like other federal employees and don't have the same collective bargaining rights, resulting in lower pay compared to their counterparts.

The potential for longer lines and wait times at airport security during a government shutdown is a significant concern, especially during busy travel periods such as the holidays. Travelers are advised to plan for possible delays and arrive at the airport earlier than usual to account for potential increased wait times at security checkpoints.

Flight delays and cancellations

The impact of absenteeism is further exacerbated by the existing staffing shortages within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). During the 2019 shutdown, the absence of just 10 air traffic controllers led to a temporary shutdown at LaGuardia Airport and delays at several international airports, including Philadelphia, Newark, and Atlanta.

Additionally, a government shutdown can disrupt the hiring and training of new air traffic controllers, further straining the system. The FAA's shortage of controllers has already resulted in flight delays, and a shutdown would only worsen the situation.

The potential for flight delays and cancellations during a government shutdown is significant, and travelers should expect longer wait times at airports, especially during busy travel periods.

Impact on the travel industry and economy

A government shutdown can have a significant impact on the travel industry and the wider economy.

During a shutdown, most federal agencies stop operating, and most government workers are furloughed. However, those who work in agencies deemed to provide "essential services", such as air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers, are required to continue working without pay. This includes the vast majority of TSA employees.

Despite this, a government shutdown can still cause significant disruption to air travel. During the 2018-2019 government shutdown, many TSA agents called in sick, with unscheduled absences spiking at 10% nationally. This led to long lines at airports, with wait times of over an hour in some places, and forced some airports to temporarily close terminals. A similar situation occurred during a shutdown in 2019, when the absence of 10 air traffic controllers led to a temporary shutdown at LaGuardia Airport and delays at several other major airports.

A shortage of staff at airports due to a government shutdown could therefore cause longer lines and wait times at airport security, especially if airports are forced to close some security checkpoints. This could be further exacerbated by the fact that the TSA has been struggling with labour shortages since the pandemic, leading to flight cuts at major airports.

The impact of a government shutdown on the travel industry extends beyond air travel. During past shutdowns, national parks have remained open to visitors, but they have become filled with litter and experienced overflowing toilets, as well as vandalism.

The wider economy can also be significantly affected by a government shutdown. The U.S. economy could lose about $140 million a day during a shutdown, according to the U.S. Travel Association. This is partly due to longer wait times at airports and deferred modernization projects. Processing times for passports, visas, and Global Entry could also take longer, leading visitors to postpone or cancel travel plans.

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