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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On Feb. 14, 2026, the government partially shut down after failing to reach a compromise on funding legislation for the Department of Homeland Security. The shutdown affects DHS agencies, which include 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. Airport security checkpoints continue to screen travelers as usual.
TSA PreCheck, a program that helps travelers speed through security checkpoints, is also still operating normally.
"At this time, TSA PreCheck remains operational with no change for the traveling public," TSA said in a Feb. 22 statement. "As staffing constraints arise, TSA will evaluate on a case-by-case basis and adjust operations accordingly."
But Global Entry, which helps Americans speed through U.S. customs, was paused at some airports across the U.S. and in Canada, ABC News reported on Feb. 22. DHS initially announced that both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck would be paused on Feb. 22, 2026, then quickly reversed course on TSA PreCheck.
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 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. Global Entry may be paused at some airports, but for now, TSA PreCheck is still operational. CLEAR+ can also help you speed through security.
- 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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