FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Spring break travel is picking up across the country, bringing packed roads and crowded airports as travelers also face rising fuel prices and staffing challenges tied to a partial government shutdown.
“Everything’s going up gas prices, airplane prices, it’s gonna be hard to travel,” said Tim Barry, a traveler from Denver.
Long Transportation Security Administration lines have been reported at airports nationwide as the shutdown has taken a toll on TSA employees.
Many workers have gone more than a month with partial pay and began receiving their first $0 paychecks last week, leading to an increase in call-outs as some officers take on second jobs.
“They’re humans their citizens. They have lives as well if anything, their lives are on the line,” said Gill Richardson, a traveler from Atlanta.
At Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FYI) on Friday, operations were running smoothly despite the nationwide issues.
Airport officials said staffing levels have kept pace with demand, though adjustments have been made.
“Generally, we operate about four lanes. We’re at three lanes or so but when we get to spring break, we really need to operate all five lanes,” said Mayor Jerry Dyer.
City leaders have taken steps to support TSA employees at the airport.
The city employs 146 TSA workers at the facility, and Mayor Dyer said officials have collected $3,600 in gas cards and partnered with the Central California Food Bank to provide food assistance.
“They’ve been delivering food out to the airport for the TSA employees every other week and they are now going to set that up to every week,” Dyer said.
Brisa Colon said community support continues to grow and that the city plans to make it easier for travelers to help.
Now there has been an outpouring of support for TSA agents and because of that, the city says they’re going to create drop boxes and have them at each of the Hudson Stores here at FYI, so flyers can come and drop off gift cards for those still on the job without pay.
The busy travel season is also beginning as gas prices continue to climb, adding another strain for travelers.
“I just filled up my rental car on the way here and it was 80 bucks and I’m like wow,” Richardson said.
AAA attributes the increase to uncertainty surrounding the war with Iran.
“In the span of a month gas prices across the country have gone up by about a dollar. California has the most expensive gas in the entire nation its well over $5,” said Julian with AAA.
City leaders said donation drop boxes for gift cards are now available at each Hudson store inside Fresno Yosemite International Airport for travelers who want to support TSA employees still working without pay.
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