Story perspectives

TSA Workers Get Back Pay Amid Ongoing DHS Shutdown

3/31/2026

Summary

TSA Workers Paid

On March 30, 2026, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers began receiving back pay, easing wait times.
Callout rates remained high, with over 30% at major airports including Baltimore and Houston.
U.S. President Donald Trump directed TSA payments as a temporary measure amid funding disputes.
LaGuardia International Airport faced delays over two hours.
The DHS shutdown is now 44 days old, causing staffing issues, with 500 TSA officers quitting.

Summary

Travelers Endure Delays

On March 30, 2026, travelers faced significant security wait times at U.S. airports amid the ongoing DHS shutdown, with Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport averaging 39 minutes.
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport averaged 17 minutes.
Dayton International Airport averaged 7 minutes.
John Glenn Columbus International Airport averaged 7 minutes.
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport averaged 7 minutes, with peaks reaching 30 minutes.

History

Historical Context

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was established in response to the September 11 attacks, with its creation authorized by the Aviation and Transportation Security Act on November 19, 2001. During the 2013 U.S. government shutdown, the TSA reported a 30% increase in airport wait times, highlighting ongoing challenges in airport security that persist today amid staffing crises and funding disputes affecting traveler experiences.

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TSA Workers Paid

On March 30, 2026, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers began receiving back pay, easing wait times.
Callout rates remained high, with over 30% at major airports including Baltimore and Houston.
U.S. President Donald Trump directed TSA payments as a temporary measure amid funding disputes.
LaGuardia International Airport faced delays over two hours.
The DHS shutdown is now 44 days old, causing staffing issues, with 500 TSA officers quitting.

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