Frazzled travelers at John F. Kennedy International Airport waited more than an hour to pass through security this week as staffing shortages tied to the ongoing partial government shutdown snarled lines.
“It looks long. I don’t know where the actual security line starts yet. It’s moving slowly, but it’s gonna be a long wait,” said Justin Swirvul, who was flying to Madrid on Tuesday.
Passengers said they anticipated delays, citing reports of understaffing as the partial shutdown stretched into its sixth week.
What You Need To Know
Transportation Security Administration staffing shortages have led to security wait times exceeding an hour at John F. Kennedy International Airport
More than one-third of TSA workers at the airport called out at the peak of the partial government shutdown
About 50,000 TSA employees have been working without pay during the standoff
Federal officials say additional personnel, including ICE officers, are being deployed to ease delays
“Boring, boring, ultra boring,” said 10-year-old Mehtab Singh, who faced a 15-hour flight to India. “Just give me something to play with. I don’t want to be standing here for two hours.”
According to the Department of Homeland Security, 33.7% of Transportation Security Administration workers at JFK called out Monday. The airport ranks among the top five in the nation for TSA absences, officials said.
The callouts came during the highest absence rate of the shutdown, which is nearing 40 days. About 50,000 TSA employees have been working without pay during that time.
“I feel bad for the people. It’s been what, 38, 39 days that they have not been paid? Why would anyone come to work if they don’t get paid? How are they gonna feed their family, how are they gonna pay their mortgage, insurance, rent, all of those expenses? It’s unfortunate,” said Michael, another traveler heading to Madrid.
In a statement, a DHS spokesperson blamed Democrats for the disruption, saying in part that “American travelers are facing HOURS-long waits at airports across the country and more than 450 TSA officers quit and thousands have called out sick from work.”
“President [Donald] Trump is taking action to deploy hundreds of ICE officers, that are currently funded by Congress, to airports being adversely impacted,” the agency added.
“Honestly, I’m kind of glad that ICE has come on board to help out in the process. I mean, there was political nonsense associated with they’re gonna do this, they’re gonna do that. But they need to help the people,” Michael said.
Travelers said they are adjusting plans as best they can, including arriving earlier than usual.
“I’m hoping to make my flight. That is the main thought at the moment. I don’t know, there’s not much I can really do, so just sit and wait,” Swirvul said.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Delta Air Lines said the airline is suspending specialty services to members of Congress until further notice as it prioritizes all customers.