Wait times increase for travelers as TSA warns smaller airports could close due to sick calls

Waits at airport security checkpoints continue to grow as the partial government shutdown drags on, and TSA agents are calling out sick in record numbers.

On March 17, the average rate was 9.88%, but at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York, it surged to 30.1% and even higher at 40.8% at Hobby Airport in Houston.  

“We were a little worried, so we left super early,” said Gina Lauricella of Fairfield, Connecticut. “We have pre-check, so we should be okay.”

Many arrived at the airport hours earlier just in case the TSA lines were too long. Travelers from Houston said the wait was between 45 minutes to an hour, while travelers from other airports like Durham or Charlotte said they just breezed through the line.

This is the third time in six months that TSA workers have been working without pay.  The Department of Homeland Security says so far, 366 workers have quit, and they fear more will do the same if the shutdown continues.

Adam Stahl, acting deputy TSA Administrator, said on a news program that if call-out rates persist, they may have to take drastic steps.

“We may have to quite literally shut down airports, particularly smaller ones, if call-out rates go up and officers can’t afford to come in,” he said.

The TSA has not mentioned which airports they would close, but there are several smaller airports like MacArthur or Westchester Airport in our area. So far no word if they are in danger of being closed.

Meanwhile, checkpoints at certain airports, like Philadelphia Airport, are being closed due to staffing shortages.  

“I’m really sad that people have to go without pay,” said Tammy Burged of Dallas, Texas.  “I don’t think that’s right and they’re caught in the middle of politics, and I don’t like it. They should be paid.”