TSA absences still high at some airports, even as workers begin to get back pay

CBS News
March 30, 2026
3 min read

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TSA staffing shortages remain elevated at some airports despite workers receiving back pay.

AI Summary

TSA workers at some airports are beginning to receive back pay, but staffing absences remain elevated above national levels even as the agency works to stabilize operations. The shortages, which have been more acute at certain terminals, appear to be easing slightly, with wait times stabilizing as of Monday, though the agency still faces persistent gaps. High absences strain TSA's ability to maintain security checkpoint efficiency and passenger flow during peak travel periods. The back-pay distribution is intended to address worker grievances that contributed to the absences, though some airports continue struggling with above-average staff shortages. The stability in wait times suggests the worst of the disruption may be passing, but full recovery across all facilities remains incomplete.

What's Being Done

TSA is distributing back pay to address worker grievances; wait times have stabilized as of Monday, though some airports still face above-average staff shortages.

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