More TSA Agents Staying Home As Government Shutdown Continues

The Transportation Security Administration says 10 percent of its employees scheduled to work on Sunday took the day off, with many employees citing “financial limitations” preventing them from working.  That number decreased to 7.5 percent on Monday.

Nationwide, the TSA screened 2.18 million passengers on Monday. Overall, 99.9 percent of passengers waited less than 30 minutes and 93.1 percent of passengers waited less than 15 minutes. 

TSA says 7.5 percent of unscheduled absences compares to a 3.3 percent rate one year ago on the same weekday.  While national average wait times are within normal TSA times of 30 minutes for standard lanes, some airports experienced longer than usual wait times. 

In a statement, TSA says they continue to carry out its mission by optimizing resources, managing consolidation efforts and ensuring screening lanes are properly staffed.  Some larger airports may have to exercise contingency plans due to call-outs and traveler volume in order to maintain effective security standards.

Some checkpoints that are understaffed at some airports have been shut down.  Travelers are advised to seek current airline and airport information and should allow enough time to get through the airport and board their flight.  


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