The partial government shutdown continued tonight, and it is having a major impact on travelers around the country as Congress still has not approved funding fo

Shutdown leaves TSA unpaid, sparking staffing shortages and long airport security lines

LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — The partial government shutdown continued tonight, and it is having a major impact on travelers around the country as Congress still has not approved funding for the Department of Homeland Security.

Because of the funding lapse, TSA agents are not being paid, and many are not showing up for work.

At major airports around the U.S., security checkpoint lines have been reported at 3 1/2 to four hours in places including Atlanta and Houston.

At Harry Reid International Airport, a TSA official said airport operations were still “normal,” and efforts were underway to keep it that way.

Marcos Crespo, a union leader for TSA workers at Reid International, said the shutdown is hitting workers hard, especially after the 43-day shutdown that ended four months ago.

“People are struggling. The last time we got paid, some people only got four to five days' worth of pay. Now, this weekend coming up, we'll be missing a full paycheck,” Crespo said.

He said many workers were still trying to recover financially from the last shutdown.

“People are still trying to recover from the last one, and here we go again. We're just trying to catch up, and now we're back at it. So you know, creditors are only going to take so much before they want their money back, too,” Crespo said.

Chris Johnson, who was traveling to Las Vegas from Hawaii, said long lines can be difficult.

“I can't really stand waiting in lines too long. It affects me pretty bad. So, maybe I'll start doing like a precheck more?” Johnson said.

However, fewer travelers are signing up for PreCheck than expected, contributing to what aviation expert Reed Yadon described as a “perfect storm” for airport security lines.

“This is spring break. Easter is coming up. People are traveling in record numbers,” Yadon said.

He also pointed to staffing problems and travel habits that can slow down checkpoints.

“Takes longer to get through the checkpoints due to staffing problems,” Yadon said. “And then you also have the case of more and more people carrying their baggage on to avoid baggage fees.”

Las Vegas may be avoiding the worst of the issues for now, in part because of community support for TSA workers, Crespo said.

“They provided the food pantries for us. We've gotten gas cards already. They're really stepping up to help us out, just like they did in the last one. And I think that's one of the main reasons why the Vegas airport wasn't in the condition that other airports were in,” Crespo said.

Yadon also noted factors that could help Reid International maintain operations, including a strong local hiring pool, experienced agents, and year-round familiarity with large crowds rather than only peak travel periods like spring break.

A food pantry for TSA workers has reopened in Terminal 1. The airport control center is seeking donations from organizations and businesses.

Donations can be coordinated by calling 702-261-7150.