How Is TSA Affected by the Government Shutdown?
TSA workers are still required to report for work.
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Updated · 1 min read
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A potential partial government shutdown starting Feb. 14, 2026, would affect the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Customs and Border Protection. While TSA is expected to continue normal operations during a government shutdown, the shutdown could temporarily lead to longer lines at airport security checkpoints.
Here’s what you should know if you have travel planned in the near future.
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How does a government shutdown affect TSA operations?
Since TSA officers are considered essential employees, they still have to show up to work during a government shutdown, though they will not be paid until it ends.
However, a prolonged shutdown could make the situation unpredictable, as it did in the 2025 government shutdown. That shutdown, which ended on Nov. 12, was the longest in U.S. history, lasting 43 days. TSA agents called out sick at higher rates, leading to staffing shortages that created longer waits at some airport security checkpoints.
Is it safe to fly during a shutdown?
Generally, yes. TSA officers still work during a shutdown, and passengers will be screened. In this potential shutdown, air traffic controllers are not expected to be impacted, since they fall under the purview of the Transportation Department, not DHS.
Still, as absences rise, that could force some TSA workers to work longer hours or extra shifts, which strains the entire system and could lead to disruptions.
How you can prepare for air travel right now
While the situation will change day by day, there are a few things you can do to protect your plans if you’re flying soon.
- Arrive early. In case security screening lines are longer than usual, give yourself extra time.
- Use Trusted Traveler programs. TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and CLEAR+ offer alternatives to the general security line or customs line that may move faster.
- Monitor TSA wait times. Keep an eye on social media and news reports to see whether wait times are longer at your airport. Typically, TSA’s mobile app provides live updates, but this service can be halted during a shutdown.
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