DES MOINES, Iowa — As the U.S. government faces a potential shutdown on Saturday, Nov. 18, Transportation Security Administration agents and federal air traffic controllers could be forced to work through the busiest travel period of the year without pay.
Thanksgiving season is already the busiest time of year for airports. On Monday, the TSA said the upcoming stretch between Nov. 17 and Nov. 28 could be the busiest on record.
The Des Moines International Airport is preparing for a historic number of travelers this holiday season. According to Deputy Director of Communications Kayla Kovarna, the Airport Authority is expecting over "200 departures out of Des Moines from Wednesday to Sunday alone."
Meanwhile, the busiest season of record could coincide with a looming government shutdown.
"We do have 60,000 TSA employees across the country, and 95% of them are considered essential, and would continue working no matter what the funding situation is," Regional TSA Spokesperson Jessica Mayle said.
If the government shuts down Saturday, TSA employees and air traffic controllers would not receive a paycheck until after a funding deal is reached, Mayle said.
“TSA will be at the checkpoints, flights will be operating as normal, but they will not be getting paid," Mayle added. "They will get paid sort of after the shutdown, that’s how the process works now.”
During the most recent government shutdown in 2018, travelers did face longer lines and security delays as some TSA agents didn’t show up to work, the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget said.
This time around, the TSA says their employees will be expected to show up to work, regardless of the circumstances.
“Our officers really are motivated by a sense of public service. That’s really what drives them to come to work every day, and I don’t think that they necessarily lose that even in challenging times," Mayle said.
Employee training for TSA agents and air traffic controllers would also be on hold during a government shutdown. This comes as the TSA reports staffing shortages at key airports across the country.
Both the Des Moines International Airport and TSA ask that those traveling remain patient and arrive to the airport at least two hours before their scheduled departure time.
“Just plan and pack a little extra patience for that holiday time," Kovarna said.