PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Cheers erupted from an early morning crowd at Philadelphia International Airport on Friday as travelers passed through a reopened security checkpoint, marking the first time in weeks the facility has been in use.
The TSA checkpoint at Terminal A-West had been shut down for two weeks during the partial government shutdown.
The checkpoint at Terminal C reopened on Thursday.
The checkpoint at Terminal F is scheduled to reopen on Tuesday.
Its reopening comes as airports across the country, including Philadelphia, continue to grapple with TSA staffing shortages after agents went six weeks without pay and some were forced to call out.
Some travelers arrived hours early, unsure what lines would look like during what many described as a turbulent time to fly.
“We had to get up so early. We had to get here by 4. It was just a lot,” said Selana Hardee, who allowed herself extra time before her flight.
“That’s why we’re here four hours early,” said Scott Brecker of Newtown Township, Bucks County.
Union leaders say the difficulties for TSA agents are far from over.
Lashanda Palmer, president of AFGE Local 333, said conditions remain dire even after President Trump signed an executive order authorizing back pay for TSA employees as a temporary measure.
“To keep putting us in this situation is inhumane,” Palmer said.
The government shutdown is ongoing, and Palmer said agents still have not been paid for one of three missing pay periods.
“Two doesn’t cover our bills, two isn’t enough for people to come back to work,” she said.
Palmer added that agents who are able to return to work are under significant stress.
“I’m 24 years in. And I’ve never felt this bad in my life as far as my job security goes,” she said.
The reopening comes during a busy holiday and spring break travel period. PHL officials project about one million travelers will pass through the airport between March 26 and Easter Sunday.
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