rewrite this title How Is TSA Affected by the Government Shutdown? – NerdWallet

Despite the government shutting down, most airport operations are expected to continue as usual. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers and air traffic controllers are considered essential employees and therefore still have to show up to work, though they will not be paid until the shutdown ends.

The longer the shutdown continues, the more unpredictable the situation may become. In the 2019 government shutdown, some TSA agents called out sick at higher rates, leading to staffing shortages that created longer waits at some airport security checkpoints. High rates of unscheduled absences among air traffic controllers also led to hundreds of flight delays and a brief ground stop at New York’s LaGuardia Airport.

Here’s what you should know if you have travel planned in the near future.

Yes. On Oct. 1, 2025, TSA posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the agency is prepared to continue screening 2.5 million passengers per day, but warned that the shutdown could mean longer wait times at airports.

Generally, yes. Passengers are being screened and air traffic controllers are still working. As absences rise, that could force some workers to work longer hours or extra shifts, which strains the entire system and could lead to disruptions.

The Federal Aviation Administration will slow down landings and takeoffs if the system is overwhelmed and staffing shortages make it unsafe to fly. That could mean more flight delays and cancellations.

While the situation will change day by day, there are a few things you can do to protect your plans if you’re flying soon.

If you have international travel, also be prepared for extra queues at customs and border patrol when you get back to the U.S. And if you have the flexibility, you may consider rescheduling your trip for a later date, driving instead of flying or changing airports.