The head of the TSA warned that if legislators do not pass a budget by 12:01 a.m. on Dec. 21, an extended government shutdown could mean longer wait times at U.S. airports, just as one of the busiest travel periods of the year kicks off.
TSA administrator David Pekoske said in a post on X that about 59,000 of the agency's more than 62,000 employees are considered essential and would continue working without pay in the event of a shutdown.
"We expect to screen 40 million passengers over the holidays and through Jan. 2," Pekoske said. "While our personnel are prepared to handle high volumes of travelers and ensure safe travel, please be aware that an extended shutdown could mean longer wait times at airports."
The TSA said it expects to screen 6.2% more people during the holiday travel period this year than in 2023, with the busiest days being Dec. 20, 27 and 30.
Most FAA employees are also deemed essential and are expected to work without pay through government shutdowns. But during previous shutdowns, the longer TSA and FAA employees worked without paychecks, the more likely they were to call in sick and take time off, leading to short staffing at airports and travel delays.
Congress put an end to a 35-day shutdown that started in late 2018 on the day that a surge in work absences by air traffic controllers in Jacksonville, Fla. and the Washington D.C. area reverberated across the National Aviation System, leading to a ground halt on flights to New York LaGuardia and causing delays along the East Coast and beyond.
TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein said during a Live Chat with the Washington Post on Dec. 19 that if there is a shutdown, travelers should show their appreciation to those employees working without pay.
"TSA officers, canine handlers, explosives experts, inspectors, etc., they'll continue to work. However, they still have bills to pay -- rent, groceries, gasoline, credit card bills," she said. "So if you are traveling during a government shutdown, please thank the officers who you meet along the way. They're working so you can travel safely."
U.S. Travel: Shutdown will disrupt travel
A government shutdown could cost the U.S. travel economy $1 billion per week and disrupt travel during the peak holiday season, the U.S. Travel Association said.
Geoff Freeman, CEO of U.S. Travel, said that a prolonged shutdown "threatens holiday travel disruptions that Americans won't tolerate. It's hard to see how anyone in Congress wins if they force TSA workers, air traffic controllers and other essential employees to work without pay during one of the busiest travel periods of the year."
U.S. Travel said that previous holiday shutdowns cost the U.S. economy $11 billion. Citing an Ipsos survey from 2023, the association said that 60% of Americans would consider altering their travel plans if a government shutdown occurs, with many choosing to cancel or avoid flights altogether, and that 88% of respondents believe members of Congress from both parties should work together to prevent a shutdown.
U.S. Travel said that s shutdown could also significantly delay the recovery of travel destinations still grappling with the aftermath of recent disasters, such as Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
"Research shows that delaying disaster relief funding until 2025 could push recovery efforts into 2026 or beyond," Freeman said. "Americans that are suffering deserve better from their elected officials. It's unconscionable that Congress would head home for the holidays while leaving communities devastated by disasters out in the cold."
Robert Silk contributed to this report.