Relief has arrived for TSA workers at Hartsfield-Jackson. After more than six weeks without pay during the partial government shutdown, most officers received backpay Monday covering at least two full paychecks.
The payment comes after President Trump signed an executive order citing airport security as a national emergency. Homeland Security says a small number of workers may see slight delays due to direct deposit issues, but the majority should have funds in their accounts.
The impact is already visible at the airport. Callout rates dropped to 10.59% on Sunday, down from the peak of over 40% earlier in the shutdown. The TSA wait time tracking page is back online, and travelers are reporting noticeably shorter lines. Airport officials still recommend arriving early, especially during busy morning hours between 5 and 9 a.m.
