Airline CEOs press Congress to fund Homeland Security before record spring travel

The CEOs of 10 major U.S. airlines urged Congress to end the partial government shutdown that has left tens of thousands of airport security workers without pay, warning the longer it drags on, the more likely it is to disrupt flights as the spring travel season begins.

Passengers at several major airports have reported waiting hours to get through security checkpoints, with some missing flights and not being guaranteed refunds. Now, a severe winter storm threatening the central United States that's expected to impact millions could further complicate travel.

As of the afternoon of March 15, 2,632 flights within, into, or out of the United States were delayed, and 1,678 were canceled, according to FlightAware.

"Too many travelers are having to wait in extraordinarily long — and painfully slow — lines at checkpoints," the CEOs representing Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Atlas Air Worldwide, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, Airlines for America, FedEx and UPS wrote in an open letter.

They requested Congress "immediately" work together to fund the Department of Homeland Security and then move forward on bipartisan legislation to ensure Transportation Security Administration officers, U.S. Customs clearance officers, and air traffic controllers are paid during shutdowns. The CEOs specifically urged Congress to pass the Aviation Funding Solvency Act, the Aviation Funding Stability Act, and the Keep America Flying Act — three pieces of legislation introduced last year.

"With spring break travel in full swing, FIFA World Cup 2026 right around the corner and celebrations for America's 250th birthday throughout the year, the stakes are especially high," the CEOs wrote, adding U.S. airlines expect to serve a record 171 million passengers this spring.

Johnny Jones, Secretary-Treasurer of AFGE TSA Council 100 and a Dallas-based TSA worker, previously told USA TODAY that several airport security workers are already running out of money to cover their bills. March 13 marked the first time TSA workers missed their full paychecks during this partial government shutdown.

But this isn't airport security workers' first rodeo. Last fall, many also went without pay during the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history.

"Americans — who live in your districts and home states — are tired of long lines at airports, traveldelays and flight cancellations caused by shutdown after shutdown," the CEOs wrote. "Yet, once again air travel is the political football amid another government shutdown."

TSA previously confirmed to USA TODAY that both the MyTSA mobile app and the agency's wait-time tracker are down as a result of the shutdown, and suggested passengers visit individual airport websites or apps for information.

Reach Rachel Barber at [email protected] and follow her on X @rachelbarber_