TSA Back Pay Restores Airport Security Lines to Normal

Key Details Airport security wait times have returned to normal across major U.S. hubs following TSA officer back pay distribution. Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport dropped from four-hour delays to 10-minute waits, while Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson airport saw maximum four-minute lines. JFK travelers can expect under one hour for standard screening and under 30 minutes with TSA PreCheck. Why It Matters The improvement comes after a partial government shutdown left TSA agents unpaid, causing over 500 officers to resign and thousands more to call out. This staffing crisis forced passengers to miss flights and consider alternatives like trains or private jets. President Trump signed a memo on March 27 authorizing TSA personnel payments to address the disruptions. Current Status TSA officers have received retroactive pay for their last two pay periods, according to the American Federation of Government Employees union. However, workers remain owed the balance of their first missed paycheck, with some officers earning as little as $13 before the shutdown began. DHS confirmed it is working aggressively to resolve remaining payment issues and maintain the improved staffing levels needed for efficient airport operations.