PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A security checkpoint at Philadelphia International Airport has been temporarily closed amid staffing concerns during the partial government shutdown, and travelers are feeling the impact.
Julia Bessen, traveling with her family, said they encountered a sign barring entry to the pre-check area at Terminal C and had to reroute through another terminal.
"So we had to go outside, walk around, come to D. We're going to try to get in through D, and then we'll have to go back to C to walk to our gate," Bessen said.
Airport officials said the Terminal C security checkpoint was closed to allow proper staffing at other checkpoints. The partial government shutdown has been ongoing since February and is affecting the Transportation Security Administration.
Joe Shuker, vice president of AFGE Council 100 Region 7, said TSA agents are feeling the financial strain. He said there are 800 TSA agents at PHL and some are being forced to find second jobs or stay home because they cannot afford basic expenses.
"Tomorrow, everybody is supposed to get paid, and that'll be a zero check," Shuker said.
"Imagine having to tell your boss I can't come to work. I can't afford gas, or I can't pay my childcare, and I have to stay home with my kids," he said.
A TSA spokesperson said in a statement, "As staffing constraints arise, TSA evaluates on a case-by-case basis and adjusts operations accordingly."
Despite the changes, some travelers said they experienced shorter wait times than expected.
Lauren, visiting from Madison, Wisconsin, said, "Last time I think I waited 2 hours, so 40 minutes this time is nothing."
The current shutdown is the third to affect airports in the past six months.
Passengers in other parts of the country are also seeing delays.
Earlier this week, travelers in Houston were encouraged to arrive three to four hours early because of long TSA lines, while in New Orleans, security lines stretched to the parking garage.
Kyle Gentner of Philadelphia expressed frustration with the ongoing disruptions.
"Can we please pick this up and get back to schedule?" he said.
Brian Brazda, traveling from Detroit, said airport routines have changed significantly.
"In Detroit, for sure, you gotta get there an hour earlier than I used to," he said.
PHL officials advise travelers to check the airport's website before arriving to see which terminal has the shortest wait times. Once through security, passengers can access any terminal within the airport.
