TSA workers are getting paid again, but airport chaos isn't going anywhere

Tech Insider : Travel, Politics, Economy
People waiting in TSA Line at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Travelers at US airports are experiencing long wait times at TSA checkpoints.

Bloomberg/Contributor/Getty Images

I canceled my flight and paid $200 for a 20-hour Amtrak ride to avoid TSA airport chaos. It was better than flying.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Photo composite of the author in Amtrak and long TSA lines at airports
I took the Amtrak to avoid airport chaos. It took 10 times as long and cost twice as much as flying.

Kristine Villarroel/Business Insider/Nathan Posner/Anadolu via Getty Images

I missed my flight to Costa Rica after waiting 4 hours at a TSA checkpoint. The line wasn't just long, it felt dangerous.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
TSA liens at JFK International Airport, May 22, 6AM
Emily Calandriello and her husband spent four hours in the TSA line at JFK International Airport and missed their flight to Costa Rica.

Emily Calandriello

Photos show ICE agents at US airports as TSA staffing shortages disrupt air travel

Tech Insider : Travel, Politics, Business
Ice agents look on as travelers stand in long lines at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on March 23, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.
ICE agents have been deployed to airports across the US amid TSA staffing shortages.

Megan Varner/Getty Images

Why ICE agents are getting paid, but TSA employees are not

Tech Insider : Economy, Economy, Travel
Ice agents look on as travelers stand in long lines at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on March 23, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.
ICE agents have been deployed to a handful of US airports.

Megan Varner/Getty Images

The largest federal workers union says 'untrained, armed' ICE agents should not replace TSA

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Politics
TSA officers
TSA agents are working without pay during the partial government shutdown.

Adam Gray/Getty Images

Travelers describe airport chaos as unpaid TSA agents stop showing up: 'The line is coming from all directions'

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
Passengers had to wait for as long as 75 minutes at JFK on Sunday morning.
Passengers had to wait for as long as 75 minutes at JFK on Sunday morning.

Courtesy of Jason Ursaner.

Over 300 TSA agents have quit during the shutdown, and travelers could feel it for a while

Tech Insider : Business, Economy, Politics
TSA agent
TSA agents are leaving their jobs.

Aaron Schwartz / AFP via Getty Images

I visited JetBlue's first airport lounge. I was impressed, but one thing will stop me from going back.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Style
bluehouse
The inside of BlueHouse, which opened at JFK International Airport last year.

Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

US airport chaos: Travelers are waiting for hours in security lines as unpaid TSA agents stop showing up for work

Tech Insider : Travel, Politics, Business
Passengers in TSA line
A TSA agent shortage caused by the partial government shutdown has led to long lines at airport security.

RONALDO SCHEMIDT / AFP

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