Airport security lines are getting longer, and airline executives say Congress needs to act before travel chaos spreads nationwide. A coalition of major airline CEOs sent a letter to lawmakers Sunday urging them to guarantee pay for Transportation Security Administration officers during the ongoing partial government shutdown. The airline leaders warned that failing to pay key airport workers could cause serious disruptions just as travel demand surges.
TSA agents missed their first full paycheck last week because the shutdown halted funding for the Department of Homeland Security. While air traffic controllers continue receiving pay through the Department of Transportation, TSA officers and some airport customs personnel are still working without guaranteed pay.
“With spring break travel in full swing, FIFA World Cup 2026 right around the corner, and celebrations for America’s 250th birthday throughout the year, the stakes are especially high. U.S. airlines expect 171 million passengers this spring season, a new record,” the airline CEOs wrote.
The executives also warned that security checkpoints are already slowing down operations at several airports.
“But too many travelers are having to wait in extraordinarily long—and painfully slow—lines at checkpoints. Wait times of 2, 3, and even 4 hours have been reported. Airlines are doing everything we can to mitigate disruption by holding flights for late passengers and rebooking others. It’s past time for the government to make sure that TSA officers, U.S. Customs clearance officers at airports, and air traffic controllers are paid for the job they do,” they added.
The shutdown stems from a political standoff over funding for the Department of Homeland Security. Lawmakers have failed four times since February 12 to pass legislation that would fully fund the agency.
Executives from FedEx, UPS, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines, JetBlue, Delta Air Lines, Alaska Air, Atlas Air, and Airlines for America signed the letter.
The airline leaders are now urging Congress to pass several proposals designed to protect aviation workers from shutdown pay gaps, including the Aviation Funding Solvency Act, the Aviation Funding Stability Act, and the Keep America Flying Act.
“Americans—who live in your districts and home states—are tired of long lines at airports, travel delays, and flight cancellations caused by shutdown after shutdown. Yet, once again, air travel is the political football amid another government shutdown,” the airline CEOs wrote.
“This problem is solvable, and there are solutions on the table. Now it’s up to you, Congress, to move forward on bipartisan proposals,” they added.
