Will TSA checkpoints stay open during a shutdown?

What to expect at security when parts of the federal government close

Air travel security will continue even if federal funding lapses, but the experience at airports often changes quickly when agencies run without pay. Transportation Security Administration officers are classified as essential personnel; they are required to remain on the job when a shutdown begins and screen passengers as usual. That keeps checkpoints operating, planes moving, and most scheduled flights in the air.

Operational continuity, however, does not guarantee normal service levels. Working without immediate pay can affect staffing in subtle ways: some employees call in sick, morale falls, and nonessential office functions (like customer service lines and administrative processing) can slow or pause. Those secondary effects can lengthen lines and slow processing, especially at busy checkpoints and during peak travel times.

Practical steps for travelers

• Build extra time into your airport plan: arrive earlier than usual for check-in and security.
• Use mobile tools: check in and download boarding passes ahead, enroll in or use PreCheck/Global Entry if you already have it, and monitor apps for gate and status changes.
• Pack for speed: have liquids and electronics accessible, wear shoes you can remove quickly if required, and consolidate items to speed screening.
• Keep airline contacts handy: if flights are delayed or canceled for other reasons related to a shutdown, airlines manage rebookings and refunds, not TSA.

It’s still unclear whether a particular shutdown will produce widespread, systemic disruptions. Travelers should monitor official airport and airline notices in the days before departure and be prepared for slower-than-normal processing at security lines while essential workforce obligations continue without pay.