TSA problems loom for spring break

Long lines and flight delays are plaguing airports around the country as spring break ramps up, sparking concerns that the partial government shutdown could exacerbate problems during an already busy travel season.

Industry leaders say this spring could bring record-breaking air traffic, with an estimated 171 million passengers expected to fly in March and April, up 4 percent from the record set last year, according to a forecast from Airlines for America (A4A).

Airlines have responded to rising demand by adding roughly 2 percent more flights and seats, but as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) remains unfunded for its fourth week, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is grappling with mounting strain as officers work without pay, staffing shortages worsen and passenger volumes continue to climb.

“It’s not sustainable, and what’s going to happen is lines are just going to continue to get longer and longer as spring breaks goes on,” said Cameron Cochems, the vice president of American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 1127 and a lead TSA officer based in Boise, Idaho.

“What’s going to happen is longer wait times. Passengers are going to get more frustrated. They’re going to take their anger out on, who do you think? Us,” Cochems added. “We’re not the ones in charge of any of this, and so they’re going to continue to push back on us.”

Last weekend saw specific air travel hubs around the country crippled with hours-long wait times. At Houston’s Hobby Airport, passengers were advised to arrive four or five hours ahead of the scheduled departure time to accommodate the two- or three-hour security delays.

In New Orleans, the airport officials told passengers they should arrive at least three hours early, and travelers at Atlanta’s airport were given similar guidance.

TSA has used its National Deployment Force (NDF) of transportation security officers (TSOs) to support a few dozen airports around the country dealing with high passenger volume or staffing shortages, functioning as a “surge force” to bolster security.

“They’re sort of like a SWAT team of screeners that can surge in and go around the country where they are needed to try and help,” American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) President and CEO Todd Hauptli told The Hill. “They’re kind of moving them around as needed, like chess pieces on a chess board.”

The NDF has eased some of the immediate pressure at airports with lines wrapping around the building, like in Houston, but officials say they expect the problems to continue.

According to internal TSA data, more than 300 TSA officers have left their posts since the start of the shutdown on Feb. 14, and the call-out rate has more than doubled.

“The normal attrition rate at TSA hovers somewhere around 2-to-3 percent. It’s up at 7 percent now. And I don’t know what TSA thinks it will be two weeks from now, but I think it will be potentially double that in two weeks, as [TSA] screeners scramble to try and find a job where they can actually get paid on a regular basis,” Hauptli said.

Hauptli noted that spring break hits different regions at different times and said the country is just starting to see the effects of the travel bump kick in.

“We’re on the very front edge of that now, and I’m really concerned about the impact of this shutdown on airports and travelers during this surge of spring break travel,” he added. “Every day that this thing goes on, you’re going to lose screeners.”

Erik Hansen, head of government relations at the U.S. Travel Association, said he expects to see “hours-long wait times” at airports near universities and near travel destinations.

But he also expressed concern that some prospective travelers might opt not to stay home for spring break, which could have consequences for the economy.

“We’re in the midst of spring break travel, so not only is it a hassle for people who decide to travel, but many are just going to throw up with their hands and say, it’s not worth it, and that’s when we’re going to see the economic impacts,” Hansen said.

“This isn’t just about frustrated travelers,” he added. “In the end, it means dollars and cents that are lost. Real money is lost for travel businesses.”

The long lines and frustrated passengers have taken a toll on the TSOs at airports, some of whom are picking up second jobs or donating plasma just to make some extra cash for gas money or child care.

Cochems said there are legitimate security concerns that arise when TSOs are exhausted or distracted.

“You might be on the X-ray or you might be patting someone down, but where’s your mind at? You’re thinking about your phone vibrating because the bank keeps calling you. Or like, my mortgage is due, or I can’t pay my utilities,” Cochems said. “So it takes us away from the job physically but also mentally.”

Cochems said many of the passengers, however, have gone out of their way to express appreciation for the TSA workers.

Hansen said he encourages folks to bring gas cards or pizza to TSOs or “things that can support TSA during this time to the airport to show appreciation.”

“It’s not going to alleviate all the pain, but at least it sends the message that they’re valued and they’re important. In the absence of Congress doing anything, someone has to step up.”

More Transportation News

Republicans, Democrats warn Trump administration against pulling US troops from ...

Bessent's interview halted for urgent talks in Situation Room: ‘The president ...

Judge rules Trump administration unlawfully refused to request CFPB funding

Trump officials erupt at CNN over report on surprise over Strait of Hormuz ...

98-year-old federal judge suspended for mental fitness appeals to Supreme Court

Powell called these 13 lawmakers as DOJ opened criminal probe

Trump says US obliterated every military target on Iran’s Kharg Island

Gulf countries press for end to Iran war with push for diplomacy

CNN’s reporting on Strait of Hormuz riles White House

Senate Democrat calls for investigation into Texas drone incidents

Judge quashes grand jury subpoenas of Fed, Jerome Powell in renovations probe

Landmark housing bill overwhelmingly passes Senate, faces uncertain future in ...

The return-to-the-office trend backfires

House Republicans threaten to oppose Senate bills until SAVE America Act passes

Trump confirms giving officials dress shoes: ‘I don’t want my Cabinet ...

Democrats block bill to reopen Homeland Security amid 27-day shutdown

Hegseth orders ‘ruthless, no-excuses’ review of military legal offices

Judges decline to extend acting Virginia U.S. attorney’s tenure

© The Hill

visit website