As the effects of the current partial shutdown of the United States government begin taking hold at the nation’s airports, some hubs are being spared the worst of the snaking lines and long wait times at security checkpoints.
That’s because a handful of U.S. airports employ federal contract workers instead of TSA agents to oversee their checkpoints, according to a new report from The Associated Press.
There are nearly two dozen airports across the country that take advantage of a federal program that allows the outsourcing of security screening duties to contract workers who are then under broader oversight from the TSA. The contractors’ pay comes from a separate contract with the federal government and is not affected by shutdowns.
Major airports like San Francisco International (SFO) participate in the program.
“The money’s already been allocated, the payments have already been made, and that continues without interruption,” SFO spokesperson Doug Yakel told The Associated Press. “That is a very nice place to be.”
Other facilities that employ contract security workers through the program include Kansas City International Airport (MCI), Atlantic City International Airport (ACY), and Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB).
However, the majority of the nation’s hundreds of airports use federal TSA agents to complete security screenings. Those employees are not paid during federal government funding lapses but are still required to show up to work because their jobs are essential. This can lead to slower lines at checkpoints as stretched-thin security agents call out of work.
That was the scene over the weekend at some airports, like Houston Hobby (HOU) and New Orleans (MSY), where shortages of TSA workers caused hours-long lines at checkpoints.
Although using more contractors might seem like a tidy solution to travel woes caused by repeated government shutdowns, experts and union leaders for federal workers say it’s not likely to become widespread because it could dilute accountability for security.
As for the latest partial shutdown, long lines and wait times could continue for the foreseeable future, as US airlines are expecting a record-breaking number of passengers to fly during the spring break travel period, which lasts through April 2026.
During that window, a total of 171 million people are expected to fly, a four percent increase from the same period last year.
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