How TSA and holiday travel could be affected by looming government shutdown
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has cautioned that a looming government shutdown could lead to longer wait times for travelers at airport security checkpoints. The warning comes as the TSA announced it is expecting a record 40 million airline passengers to take to the skies over the two-week holiday travel period that began Thursday.
Most TSA workers, about 95%, are considered essential, and would therefore remain on the job in the event of a shutdown — but without pay — TSA administrator David Pekoske said in a post on X.
Air traffic controllers are also deemed essential employees and would be expected to work while foregoing a paycheck. Employees would be paid after a shutdown were to end.
The U.S. Travel Association, a trade group representing the industry, on Friday said a government shutdown could cost the sector $1 billion per week given that disruptions would occur during a peak travel period.
What would a government shutdown mean for flights and air travel?
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