Photo: Emma Friedman/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Transportation Security Administration officers have missed their first full paycheck since the government shutdown, and some travelers are uncertain about what to expect when they arrive at the airports across the nation.
It's a busy weekend at Boston Logan Airport, as spring break travelers lined up early at TSA checkpoints, anticipating delays. However, they found security running smoothly despite the partial government shutdown. Chris and Sarah made it cross-country without complaint.
"In Tampa, it took like 15 minutes to get through, so no problems for us so far," Chris explained.
While lines at Logan have not been longer than usual, some frequent travelers have voiced their concerns about what the future holds, especially during busy periods like spring break.
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"I haven't noticed any difference with the spring break," Sarah said. "We've had to travel super early, so I think we've been at the airport where there aren't as many people. We've been in Spokane International Airport, then Tampa, and now here. So far so good."
Mike Gayzagian, President of the Union that represents New England TSA officers, says one to two officers have been leaving the agency every day since the shutdown began. Chris says he's grateful for the officers who did show up.
"It is stressful for them not getting paid, but it's nice that they showed up for work," Chris said.
The Trump administration recently announced that it would replace TSA agents with ICE agents at airports if Congress doesn't end the shutdown soon.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Mike Macklin reports.