The security line at LaGuardia Airport’s Terminal B just before 6 a.m. Monday spanned the entirety of the terminal and partially backed up into the neighboring one.
Volkan Guzey and other travelers said they didn’t expect the line to be so long, though they had expected some delays because of the partial government shutdown.
What You Need To Know
The TSA line at LaGuardia Airport’s Terminal B Monday morning saw more than a half-hour wait, stretching the entire length of the terminal
For the past four weeks, TSA employees have been caught up in Congress’ fight over funding for the Department of Homeland Security, specifically when it comes to immigration enforcement
Since TSA is an agency that falls under the DHS umbrella, without any funding, roughly 50,000 TSA officers have been required to work without pay
“I asked the guys if I’m going to make my flight in 40 minutes or an hour,” Guzey said. “They’re like, maybe, you know, so it’s kind of ridiculous.”
For the past four weeks, Transportation Security Administration employees have been caught up in Congress’ fight over funding for the Department of Homeland Security, specifically when it comes to immigration enforcement.
Since TSA is an agency that falls under the DHS umbrella, without any funding, roughly 50,000 TSA officers have been required to work without pay.
“They need to come to the different airports, no matter what state you are, sit down at the table, speak to the officers that are trying to deal with this. Understand what we’re going through,” TSA officer and union steward George Borek said.
“But listen: People should make the right decision. You see what’s going on in the country, you see what’s going on in the world. We’re not immune. We’re there for a reason: to protect the flying public,” Borek added. “But we need the resources from them, so we can continue doing our job to the best of our ability.”
The longer the partial shutdown goes on, the longer the lines get at airports around the country as more TSA agents quit or call out.
The CEOs of several major airlines sent an open letter to Congress on Sunday calling on them to fund DHS and pass legislation that would guarantee federal airport workers like air traffic controllers and TSA officers continue to be paid in the case of any future shutdowns.
“When we had the shutdown in the fall, you had many other agencies,” Borek said. “Now, people really don’t know until they get to an airport and they see the lines and they start asking questions, do they realize that TSA agents are working without pay.”
President Donald Trump did post on social media thanking TSA workers for working without pay, encouraging them to continue to show up for work after missing their first full paycheck last Friday.
Before heading to New York City-area airports, travelers should check their websites for estimated security wait times, as they are updated in real time.