A growing number of major U.S. airports are appealing to travelers for donations to support Transportation Security Administration employees working without pay during a partial government shutdown that began Feb. 14, 2026, leaving roughly 50,000 TSA officers to miss their first full paycheck on March 13 amid mounting financial hardship.

The funding lapse for the Department of Homeland Security — triggered when Congress failed to pass a spending bill over disputes on immigration enforcement and border security — has forced essential airport security personnel to continue screening millions of passengers daily without regular compensation. TSA officers received partial pay in late February but saw no funds deposited in many March 13 paychecks, according to union representatives and federal officials.

TSA

Airports nationwide have responded by reopening food pantries, setting up gift card collection points and urging passengers to contribute essentials. Denver International Airport (DEN) asked for $10 or $20 grocery and gas gift cards from stores like King Soopers, Safeway, Walmart, Costco and Target, emphasizing that Visa gift cards are not accepted due to federal rules limiting gifts to $20 or less per instance.

"Denver International Airport is seeking grocery store and gas gift card donations for federal employees working without pay," DEN CEO Phil Washington said in a March 11 statement. "TSA employees just missed their first paycheck, and as we enter a busy spring break travel period, we want to do what we can to ease the stress of this moment."

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) opened a food pantry for TSA agents, requesting non-perishable food, hygiene items, diapers and baby supplies. Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas reactivated its Food & Essentials Pantry, accepting donations of toiletries, household items and pet supplies for affected federal workers.

Other airports participating include Orlando International, Cleveland Hopkins, Reno-Tahoe and more, with collection drives coordinated through airport management, employee unions and community partners. TSA guidance allows such donations from travelers via airport channels, provided they comply with ethics rules barring direct cash or excessive gifts.

The shutdown has strained TSA staffing. The agency reports about 300 officers have resigned since Feb. 14, with unscheduled absences rising to around 6% in some locations. Union leaders describe workers turning to side jobs like ride-sharing, plasma donation or food pantries to cover bills. Some report sleeping in cars or relying on family support after depleting savings from the previous 43-day shutdown in late 2025.

Travel disruptions have worsened, with reports of hours-long security lines at major hubs during peak spring break travel. Wait times of two to three hours have been documented at some checkpoints, though TSA insists expedited programs like PreCheck remain operational. Passenger security fees collected by airlines continue flowing to the government, creating a stark contrast: travelers pay for screening services while screeners go unpaid.

Senate negotiations remain stalled. A March 12 vote on a stopgap DHS funding bill failed, with Democrats blocking the measure over immigration provisions. Republicans have accused Democrats of obstructing progress, while Democrats point to GOP demands on border policy as the impasse. No breakthrough appeared imminent as of March 14.

The American Federation of Government Employees and travel industry groups, including Airlines for America, have launched campaigns urging on-time pay for TSA and FAA workers during lapses. Private operators highlight reliance on smooth airport operations for economic activity.

TSA officers, deemed essential, must report for duty or face termination. Many express frustration at repeated shutdowns, with some rebuilding finances from the prior fiscal year's record closure.

As the shutdown nears one month, airports' grassroots efforts underscore the human toll on frontline workers. Donations provide immediate relief, but union officials and advocates stress the need for permanent funding stability to prevent future crises.

Travelers encountering longer lines are encouraged to arrive early, use mobile apps for wait-time estimates and consider TSA PreCheck enrollment. For donation information, check individual airport websites or TSA union channels.