A shortage of TSA officers is causing long security lines at major U.S. airports, with some locations experiencing higher absence rates than the national average. Although wait times seemed to stabilize on Monday, the call-out rate for TSA officers was still high at 10.6% nationwide, compared to the usual 2%. This issue stems from a 45-day partial government shutdown, during which TSA officers were not paid. President Trump signed an executive order to pay TSA workers during the shutdown, and some back pay has started reaching their accounts. However, many officers are still missing pay for certain periods and overtime. Major airports like Baltimore/Washington International and Houston’s airports reported call-out rates above 30%. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have been deployed to assist TSA at some airports. The Department of Homeland Security aims to have most workers paid by April 1.
QUESTION: How might ongoing staffing shortages at airports impact travelers and the overall travel industry in the future?
TSA absences still high at some airports, even as workers begin to get back pay
