Airports fearful over security as no end in sight for federal shutdown
Airports across the country are getting increasingly fearful over the ongoing government shutdown.
Despite constant denials by the TSA, security lines are getting longer with travelers at airports such as Seattle-Tacoma and New York LaGuardia reporting long waits.
Aside from the extra time at security screening, the Airports Council International-North America is getting more anxious over the impact on security with mass callouts of TSA officers.
"We’re concerned that a prolonged government shutdown could potentially impact security and wait times at airports," the organization’s senior vice president for security, Christopher Bidwell said.
Bidwell said airports are in talks with their local TSA managers to help boost security screener numbers and maintain efficiency.
However personnel not verified by the TSA, such as other airport and airline workers, are not permitted to screen bags and people.
"It’s certainly not built into their budgets right now, but if it came down to it they may look to find the resources to support that sort of thing on a voluntary and temporary basis," Bidwell said.
There is no accurate data on how many TSA officers have called in sick since the shutdown began but the TSA has acknowledged it is higher than average.
So far the disruption has been kept to a minimum with just a few airports experiencing longer than average screening delays but that could change later this week.
"If we go past Friday without a paycheck, that will be the first missed paycheck (since the shutdown began). Now we’re talking about a completely different environment," said TSA spokesman Michael Bilello.
There is speculation a missed paycheck will result in much heavier mass callouts.
The new chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee also voiced concern.
"I am concerned if wait times and public pressure increase, some TSA managers may try to manage the effects of the shutdown in ways that are detrimental to security," said Representative Bennie Thompson.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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