TSA Paychecks & Airport Delays: Shutdown Impact & Travel Updates

Transportation Security Administration officers are expected to receive their first paychecks since the partial government shutdown began, with funds anticipated to arrive as early as March 30, 2026. President Trump signed an executive order the week of March 23, 2026, directing the Department of Homeland Security to issue payment to the employees. Despite the incoming funds, officials warn it may take days or even weeks before travelers see relief at airport security lines.

Conditions at airports remained volatile over the weekend. While operations appeared to run smoothly at LaGuardia Airport on the afternoon of March 29, 2026, there were still reported delays, and cancellations. Security lines moved much faster than they had earlier that morning, but significant disruptions persisted for many passengers attempting to fly during the spring break travel period.

Travelers Face Long Waits

Passengers encountered varying experiences depending on their arrival times. One traveler destined for Canada, identified as Debbie, reported a five-hour wait while enduring a long lineup to clear the gate at LaGuardia. She noted that her party was dropped off earlier than necessary in anticipation of the extensive delays.

Other fliers expressed surprise at the conditions, noting fluctuations throughout the day. Virgie Baden, whose granddaughter was traveling, observed that the situation was not as chaotic as anticipated during her visit. However, conditions differed significantly just hours prior to her arrival.

They basically told us to go probably like half a mile down, turn all the way around, and come back up here. And it’s looking like we might not make it.

Natasha Striggles, Traveler

Striggles emphasized the urgency of resolving the payment issue to stabilize the workforce. She stated that officials need to hurry and pay the personnel managing the security checkpoints.

Union Representatives Seek Confirmation

While payments are expected to begin processing on March 30, 2026, union representatives indicated they had not received official confirmation at the time of reporting. Rebecca Wolf, a TSA officer and president of the AFGE TSA Local 1127 union, stated that members were simply instructed to report to work on their next scheduled day.

We have not heard anything. We were just told that we would be receiving our back pay and that everybody needed to be at work on their next scheduled work day.

Rebecca Wolf, President of AFGE TSA Local 1127

The financial strain on workers has been significant since funding for the Department of Homeland Security lapsed on February 14, 2026. According to reporting from NPR, TSA workers missed a full paycheck on March 13, 2026, as the partial shutdown approached the one-month mark. Many security officers received no money at all in their paychecks during that period, leading to panic among staff regarding their ability to cover expenses.

Workforce attendance issues have emerged as a direct consequence of the unpaid status. More than 3,500 TSA employees called out sick nationwide on March 27, 2026. The American Federation of Government Employees Council 100, which represents about 45,000 TSA officers nationwide, has highlighted the fear and uncertainty facing security officers working without compensation.

ICE Agents Deployed to Assist

To mitigate the staffing shortages and security backlog, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have been deployed to assist at airports. White House Border Czar Tom Homan stated on March 29, 2026, that ICE agents would remain at airports until TSA operations return to normal.

Homan appeared on CBS’ Face The Nation to outline the specific roles ICE personnel would undertake. He explained that the agents would handle tasks that do not require enhanced TSA screening, allowing TSA officers to focus on checkpoint security.

ICE will remain in airports to take those jobs that – to secure the airport and check – check identification and check exit lanes, where people enter through exits. (They’ll) Do the jobs that don’t require the enhanced TSA screening.

Tom Homan, White House Border Czar

Homan noted that he is working closely with the TSA to determine which airports require the additional assistance. The deployment comes as Transportation Security Administration officials stress the urgency of the government shutdown situation. According to AP News, security lines have stretched significantly as TSA personnel go without pay, and there are concerns that some airports may face closures if the situation deteriorates further.

Travelers continue to pay airport security fees even as the officers processing those screenings work without pay. The discrepancy between collected fees and worker compensation has drawn attention from the travel industry, which is pushing Congress to end the DHS shutdown. While the executive order addresses the immediate pay issue for TSA officers, the broader funding lapse remains a point of contention affecting federal security operations nationwide.