It's spring break in many parts of the country, and for another week, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees and some other federal airport workers will not be receiving paychecks as some government agencies remain closed.
A higher-than-usual number of travelers at many airports, combined with staffing shortages that have closed security lanes, has resulted in longer than usual wait times at many airport security lanes.
It also causes a lot of headaches for travelers. This is true even for those with a paid membership to TSA PreCheck, a service designed to speed up the security screening experience.
Many airports, including those in Houston, New Orleans and Atlanta, are urging travelers to arrive earlier than usual.
This is always a good idea, but it’s especially important now. Just as actively monitor any social media updates regarding checkpoint wait times that the airport may (or should) offer.
Many airports publish real-time wait times at security checkpoints on their websites. Check it out. And see what's going on at checkpoints you don't normally use at the airport. In some cases, you may be better off heading to another entrance.
More airports opening food pantries for unpaid airport workers
Last week we told you about Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), Orlando International Airport (MCO), Portland International Airport (PDX), Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) and other airports Airport sets up food pantry and accepts donations For TSA and other federal employees, they are required to report to work during the partial government shutdown, even if they are not being paid.
This week, more airports are reaching out to help.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) has once again opened a temporary food pantry at the airport to collect non-perishable food, household items and personal hygiene items.
Harry Reid International Airport Los Angeles Airlines (LAS) has officially reopened the food and essentials pantry it established during the last shutdown to support federal airport workers who were without pay.
Airport Control Center is collecting donations of urgently needed items including non-perishable food, toiletries and hygiene products, baby products, household essentials and pet supplies.
and Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) is again working with local service organizations to Children's Cabinet Provide resources to impacted federal employees at airports, including weekly grocery deliveries.
Donations, whether in kind or monetary, may be directed through the Children's Cabinet. Just mentioned your donation is for federal airport employees.
We will update this list as we learn more airports are offering assistance.
Thank you for your visit stuck at airport. subscription Get daily travel tidbits. And follow me on Twitter: @hbaskas and Instagram.
