As the government shutdown enters its 20th day, federal employees going without pay is starting to become everyone’s problem. In a video taken at the Hartsfield-Jackson Airport in Atlanta, enormous TSA lines are shown stretching across the terminal as employees have reportedly stopped showing up for work.

The FAA issued a statement regarding the ongoing air traffic controller shortage, noting that 10 of its facilities remain understaffed. Additionally, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy admitted that controllers are calling in sick because they are no longer receiving paychecks.

Hartsfield-Jackson warned travelers they “may experience longer than usual wait times” and encouraged them “to allow extra time for screening[s].” According to digital aviation company FlightAware, there were 161 recorded flight delays at Hartsfield-Jackson this morning and more than 1,200 over the weekend.

So if you’re traveling, be patient. The TSA agent patting you down is currently doing it for free. 

The line for TSA this morning.

TSA workers aren't showing up because they're not getting paid. @jordanlenaypic.twitter.com/JsSjw1Z96c

— Everything Georgia (@GAFollowers) October 20, 2025