Frustrated travelers are venting on social media about endless lines at airports as TSA agents across the country abandon work during the government shutdown

Mark Matousek

January 15, 2019 12:01 AM

Getty Images/Joe Raedle

TSA employees have been required to work without pay during the federal government shutdown , which began on December 22.
Some airports, including Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Miami International Airport, have had to close security lines due to worker shortages.
Travelers have described unusually long lines on social media because of the lack of workers.

Security lines at airports across the country are getting worse as the government shutdown continues to drag on.

TSA employees have been required to work without pay during the federal government shutdown, which began on December 22. (They will be eligible to receive back pay once the shutdown ends.)

Since the shutdown began, many TSA workers have been absent from airports, and Hydrick Thomas, the president of the TSA worker's union, said some had quit or considered quitting .

Some airports, like Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Miami International Airport, have had to close security lines due to worker shortages, leading to unusually long lines.

Travelers stuck waiting in endless lines are taking to social media to share just how bad the situation has gotten.

If you've worked for TSA and have a story to share, you can contact this reporter at mmatousek@businessinsider.com.

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