When will TSA lines go back to normal? Travelers may face delays for days or weeks
NBC News • • general
Key Points:
- TSA officers will begin receiving pay again on Monday after working without wages for over a month due to the partial government shutdown, following an executive order from President Trump.
- Despite the resumption of pay, immediate relief at airport security lines is unlikely as over 500 officers quit during the shutdown and thousands more called out, leading to significant staffing shortages.
- TSA callout rates peaked at 12.35% recently, causing missed and canceled flights as well as long security lines, with recovery dependent on how many officers return to work.
- Former TSA Administrator John S. Pistole noted that some officers may have secured other jobs, so delays could persist even after paychecks resume, compounded by TSA’s typical annual attrition rate.
- Travelers are advised to consider alternative transportation options such as driving, rail, or bus to avoid lengthy airport security waits in the near term.
