Atlanta airport warns of 4-hour wait despite light TSA lines

Atlanta airport waits shorten; delays still possible

Travelers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport saw smooth passage Sunday as TSA agents move closer to receiving six weeks of back pay. 

ATLANTA - Travelers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport saw smooth passage Sunday as TSA agents move closer to receiving six weeks of back pay. 

What we know:

A FOX 5 photojournalist captured relatively short lines moving efficiently around 3:15 p.m. Sunday. 

These conditions are a sharp contrast to previous days when lines wrapped outside the building. However, travel is expected to pick up on Monday morning. 

Despite the current calmness, airport officials are still warning passengers to arrive at least four hours before their scheduled flights due to overall unpredictability. 

The Atlanta airport has also stopped providing estimated wait times for security check. 

TSA lines at Atlanta airport ease as backpay arrives

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport saw a period of calm Sunday with shorter security lines, though staffing shortages continue to impact operations. About 40% of TSA workers remain called out as the federal funding standoff enters another week. Also in Atlanta, filmmaker Tyler Perry stepped in to help, donating $250,000 in gift cards to Hartsfield-Jackson employees. TSA relief is expected Monday, March 30, when employees are scheduled to receive backpay following a recent executive order by President Trump. Travelers are still encouraged to arrive early as wait times remain unpredictable during the ongoing shutdown.

Big picture view:

President Donald Trump signed an order on March 27 directing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to start paying TSA workers amid the partial government shutdown. 

The shutdown has lasted a record-breaking 44 days. 

A message sent to TSA workers stated they will be paid what they are owed for three specific pay periods. 

Employees should expect most of that back pay to be deposited into accounts starting Monday, March 30. 

What they're saying:

White House border czar Tom Homan reaffirmed this timeline during a CNN interview on Sunday. 

Homan noted that agents across the country should expect to see their funds by Monday or Tuesday. 

During the shutdown, Atlanta’s airport, as well as numerous others nationwide, have seen sky-high TSA call-out rates as employees face mounting bills with no paycheck.

The Department of Homeland Security says about 40% of TSA workers in Atlanta have called out amid the shutdown.

More than 3,500 TSA agents across the country reportedly called out the same day Trump signed the executive order directing them to be paid. 

What's next:

It remains to be seen when Congress will vote again on DHS funding, as both chambers are currently on a two-week break. 

What we don't know:

While back pay is scheduled for delivery, it remains unclear when TSA call-out rates will return to normal levels. 

Officials have not specified when the airport will resume providing standard wait-time estimates to the public. 

It is also unknown if the temporary funding order will prevent future staffing shortages if the broader shutdown issues remain unresolved.

RELATED STORIES:

• When will TSA agents be paid? Why Trump's order may not bring immediate relief to airports
• Quiet day reported at Atlanta airport, money on its way to TSA agents
• Travelers find empty lines at Atlanta airport despite TSA shortage
• Senate votes to fund DHS, wait times continue to vary at Atlanta airport
• Delta extends Atlanta travel waiver amid TSA delays
• Atlanta airport's TSA wait times like playing ‘Russian roulette’
• Atlanta community supports TSA agents working 40 days without pay