How a DHS Shutdown Disrupts Air Travel and TSA Operations: Impacts, Analysis, and Traveler Advice

A lapse in appropriations for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is more than a political headline—it directly affects the safety, efficiency, and experience of millions of air travelers. While some components of the nation’s aviation system are deemed “essential” and continue operating, the absence of funding creates significant operational strain, staffing crises, and long-term procedural delays. This article provides a detailed, verifiable breakdown of the specific impacts on the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the overall air travel ecosystem during a DHS shutdown.

Introduction: The Immediate Ripple Effect of a Funding Lapse

When Congress fails to pass appropriations for DHS, a partial government shutdown begins. Unlike a full shutdown, which would halt all non-essential operations, DHS has a high percentage of its workforce classified as “excepted” or “essential” under the Anti-Deficiency Act. This means TSA screeners, air traffic controllers, and CBP officers at ports of entry are required to work without pay until funding is restored. The immediate impact is not a cessation of service, but a severe degradation of service quality driven by employee financial stress, delayed training, and halted non-critical programs. For the flying public, this translates to longer wait times, reduced operational readiness, and increased uncertainty.

Key Points: What Travelers Need to Know

• TSA Screeners Work Without Pay: Over 90% of TSA’s workforce is considered essential and must report to work during a shutdown, receiving no paycheck until after a funding bill is signed.
• Increased Absenteeism: Financial pressure leads to higher rates of unscheduled leave among TSA and CBP staff, directly causing checkpoint and border processing delays.
• FAA Certification and Oversight Halts: The FAA stops issuing new type certificates for aircraft, certifying new pilots and mechanics, and conducting routine safety audits of airlines and manufacturers, creating a backlog that delays fleet expansions and new safety initiatives.
• CBP International Processing Slows: At airports and land borders, CBP officer shortages lead to extended wait times for international arrivals and customs processing.
• Long-Term Training and Tech Stagnation: All non-critical training, cybersecurity updates, and technology procurement for DHS aviation agencies are suspended, eroding long-term operational resilience.
• No Immediate Flight Cancellations: Flights are not automatically canceled, but airlines may proactively reduce schedules if projected delays become too severe to manage.

Background: DHS Funding and “Essential” Personnel

The Legal Framework of a Government Shutdown

A government shutdown occurs when Congress and the President fail to enact appropriations for the upcoming fiscal year. The Antideficiency Act prohibits federal agencies from spending money without an appropriation, with exceptions for functions that protect life and property. This legal distinction creates the “essential” vs. “non-essential” employee classification. For DHS, which encompasses agencies critical to transportation security, the vast majority of its aviation-related workforce falls under the “excepted” category and is required to work.

The DHS Agencies That Guard Our Skies

Three primary DHS components directly govern commercial air travel:

• Transportation Security Administration (TSA): Responsible for passenger and baggage screening at over 450 U.S. airports.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): Manages immigration and customs inspections for international flights and cargo.
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): Regulates all aspects of civil aviation, including air traffic control, aircraft certification, and pilot licensing.

During a shutdown, all three operate with skeleton crews for core functions, while administrative, training, and development offices are furloughed.

Analysis: Agency-by-Agency Impact Breakdown

Transportation Security Administration (TSA): The Frontline Strain

TSA is the most visible face of the shutdown for travelers. With approximately 47,000 Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) classified as essential, they report to work but do not receive a paycheck until after the shutdown ends. Historical data from past shutdowns shows this leads to:

• Rising Absenteeism: During the 35-day shutdown in 2018-2019, TSA absenteeism spiked to over 10% nationally, with some airports reporting rates double the normal 3-5%. Employees face immediate financial pressures—no pay for mortgage/rent, childcare, or commuting costs.
• Longer Wait Times: Reduced staffing at checkpoints directly increases passenger queue times. The TSA may implement “streamlined” screening procedures (like not re-screening checked bags from connecting flights) to compensate, which can have minor security implications.
• Morale and Fatigue: Working without pay while dealing with public frustration severely damages morale, potentially leading to higher turnover rates in the long term.
• Suspended Non-Essential Programs: Initiatives like the expansion of TSA PreCheck® enrollment centers, new technology pilots (e.g., advanced CT scanners), and routine security training are paused.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): International Arrival Bottlenecks

CBP officers at airports, seaports, and land borders are also required to work without pay. The impact is most acutely felt at:

• Airport International Arrivals: Reduced staffing at passport control and baggage claim inspection areas leads to longer lines for deplaning and customs. This can cause aircraft to wait for a gate or for passengers to clear customs, creating cascading delays.
• Global Entry and Other Trusted Traveler Programs: While enrollment centers may close, the programs themselves generally remain active. However, any issues requiring in-person interview resolution are delayed.
• Trade and Cargo: While commercial cargo operations continue, delays in processing can occur, and the suspension of some trade enforcement and compliance activities has economic implications.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): The Invisible Delays

The FAA’s impact is less immediate for a passenger in the security line but has profound long-term consequences for aviation safety and innovation:

• Air Traffic Control: Like TSA, controllers and safety inspectors are essential and work without pay. The system remains safe, but high stress and absenteeism pose risks. During the 2019 shutdown, some controllers called in sick citing financial hardship, forcing route restrictions.
• Aircraft and Parts Certification: This is a major area of impact. The FAA stops issuing new type certificates for aircraft (e.g., new Boeing or Airbus models), supplemental type certificates for modifications, and production certificates. This halts:
  • New aircraft deliveries to airlines.
  • Introduction of new aircraft models (e.g., Boeing 737 MAX variants, new Airbus models).
  • Certification of critical spare parts, causing supply chain issues.
• Pilot, Mechanic, and Dispatcher Certification: The FAA’s written and practical exams for these licenses are administered by designated examiners who are often furloughed. This creates a backlog, delaying the entry of new pilots and mechanics into the workforce—a critical issue given the industry’s existing labor shortage.
• Safety Oversight and Investigations: Routine surveillance of airlines, maintenance facilities, and training schools is reduced. Accident and incident investigations may be slowed due to furloughed investigators.

Practical Advice for Travelers During a DHS Shutdown

If a shutdown is imminent or ongoing, travelers can take proactive steps to mitigate disruption:

1. Arrive Earlier: Build in significant extra time for security and international connections. Monitor airport-specific wait times via the TSA app or airline apps.
2. Enroll in Trusted Traveler Programs: TSA PreCheck® and Global Entry® provide dedicated lanes that are typically less affected by staffing shortages. Enroll well in advance, as enrollment centers may be closed.
3. Consider Flexible Ticketing: When booking, choose refundable or flexible change tickets. If massive delays occur, having the option to change flights without penalty is valuable.
4. Stay Informed: Follow official channels: your airline’s app/website for schedule changes, the TSA social media accounts for checkpoint updates, and CBP’s “Wait Times” app for international arrivals.
5. Be Patient and Courteous: TSA and CBP officers are working under extreme duress. A polite demeanor can help in a stressful environment.
6. Monitor for Airline Schedule Adjustments: Airlines, particularly at hub airports (e.g., ATL, ORD, DFW, LAX, JFK), may proactively cancel or consolidate flights to manage expected delays. Check your flight status repeatedly in the 24 hours before departure.
7. International Travelers: If connecting through a U.S. airport, ensure your layover allows for significant extra time for immigration and customs. Consider the risk of missing a connection due to CBP delays.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Will flights be canceled because of a DHS shutdown?

Not directly or systematically. The air traffic control system remains operational. However, airlines may choose to cancel or delay flights preemptively if projected ground delays (from TSA/CBP shortages) become so severe that they would disrupt the wider network. The 2018-2019 shutdown saw some airlines, like Delta, reduce flight schedules at key hubs due to anticipated TSA staffing issues.

Is it safe to fly during a DHS shutdown?

Yes. The core safety functions of the FAA and TSA continue. Air traffic controllers and TSA screeners are at work. The risk is not a reduction in security standards but in the operational stressors that could lead to human error due to fatigue and financial distraction. The system remains safe, but its buffer against incidents is thinner.

What happens to my Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership?

Your membership remains valid. However, if your membership is expiring or you need to resolve an issue requiring an in-person interview, you may face delays because enrollment centers are typically closed. New applications cannot be processed during the shutdown.

Will I get a refund if my flight is delayed due to shutdown-related staffing?

U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations require airlines to offer a refund for a “significant delay,” but the definition is vague. A delay of 3+ hours for domestic or 6+ hours for international flights generally qualifies. If the delay is caused by a government action like a shutdown, it is considered an “act of God” or force majeure by some airlines, which can complicate refunds. However, if the airline cancels your flight, you are entitled to a full refund regardless of the reason.

How long does it take to recover from a shutdown’s impact?

Recovery is two-phased. The operational recovery (staff returning to normal schedules, clearing backlogs at checkpoints) can take days to weeks after pay resumes. The procedural and certification backlog at the FAA can take months or even years to clear, depending on the shutdown’s duration. The 2019 shutdown’s FAA certification backlog was still being addressed over a year later.

Are federal employees eventually paid for the work they did during the shutdown?

Yes. Historically, Congress has passed legislation guaranteeing back pay for furloughed and excepted employees once a funding bill is enacted. This is a separate legislative step from ending the shutdown itself. Employees receive their back pay in their first paycheck after the government reopens.

Conclusion: A Costly Strain on National Infrastructure

A DHS shutdown is not a theoretical budget exercise; it is a live stress test on the nation’s aviation security and transportation infrastructure. The immediate human impact on dedicated public servants—working without pay—is the catalyst for degraded service, longer lines, and operational fragility. The longer-term impact, particularly the FAA’s halted certification and oversight work, plants seeds for future delays in aircraft innovation, pilot training, and safety audits. While the system is designed to be resilient, repeated shutdowns erode that resilience, increase long-term costs, and damage the morale of the workforce tasked with safeguarding millions of daily travelers. For the public, the message is clear: expect delays, plan meticulously, and advocate for stable, uninterrupted funding for the agencies that keep the skies safe and efficient.

Sources and Further Reading

The following official sources and reports provide the factual basis for this analysis:

• U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Agency Missions and Organizational Structure.
• Transportation Security Administration, Workforce and Operations Data.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Border Wait Times and Port Information.
• Federal Aviation Administration, Aviation Safety and Certification Processes.
• U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), Report: “Federal Shutdown: Varied Impact on Agencies and Programs” (GAO-19-358).
• Congressional Research Service, “The Effects of a Partial Government Shutdown on Aviation” (IF11143).
• U.S. Department of Transportation, Air Consumer Protection Regulations.