TSA workers are staging protests outside some major airports as the partial government shutdown continues through its fourth week without any signs of resolution. Call out rates continue to increase as workers say they can no longer afford to work without pay. However, TSA officials are still reporting that overall checkpoint wait times remain within standards.
Airports most impacted thus far include Atlanta Hartsfield, Houston Bush, Miami International and Washington Dulles. These airports have implemented contingency plans which are helping to return line times to within standards. Delta for example is using their own personal to help TSA workers with non-screening tasks such as managing lines. Houston Bush and Miami both closed lesser used checkpoints so staff can be consolidated at busier checkpoints for better efficiency. Airlines note, flights are still operating out of their regular gates, passengers may have to walk further to get from open check points to their gate. In a recent tweet, Miami airport officials said that operations were normalized but they will continue to monitor checkpoint staffing levels and make adjustments as necessary.
Some airports have still seen very little impact to screening times. There are also 22 airports that use private contractors for screening and thus are not impacted. To see a list of these airports please visit https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/screening-partnerships.
There is concern that with Winter Storm Harper threatening this weekend and TSA workers growing increasingly frustrated that wait times could go up over the next several days.
What travelers should do
– Travelers should generally plan to allow for extra time to clear TSA screening.
– Travelers can monitor updates from the TSA by following their Twitter feed @TSA, https://twitter.com/tsa?lang=en.
– Travelers can also check for updates at specific airports by following the individual airport’s twitter feed.
– Travelers can get the myTSA app which provides estimates on security wait times at airports around the country. However, travelers should note that the TSA does not guarantee these estimates as the information is based on crowdsourced data provided by other airport users.
– Travelers should also make sure they are fully familiar with screening procedures in regards to liquids, electronics etc. and be prepared to swiftly comply with directives so that they can clear checkpoints a quick as possible and without the need for extra inspections. More information can be found at https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening.
Other areas of travel impacted
Air traffic control staff, FAA inspections of aircraft and CBP interviewers with applicants for Global Entry status have also been impacted. Also with FAA workers on furlough, Alaska Airlines warns that the new Paine Field Airport near Seattle may not open as scheduled on Feb. 11 and Southwest says it may not be able to implement its new flights to Hawaii as it is still waiting FAA certification for extended overwater flights. And Delta Air Lines may have to delay plans to start flying its newest aircraft, the Airbus A220, which was scheduled for the end of January.
Please contact your Adelman travel consultant for additional information.