Air traffic controllers’ paychecks are not affected by the current partial government shutdown.
However, more than 60,000 Transportation Security Administration staff must report for work, even though there are no paychecks for them in the pipeline going forward as the shutdown continues.
Security checkpoint lines may start growing at airports around the country if a growing number of TSA workers begin to skip shift and look for work temporary work elsewhere.
But airports and community members are, once again, stepping in to lend a hand.
In late February, Virgnia’s Roanoke-Blacksburgh Airport (ROA) reopened the Care Cupboard it created during the last government shutdown and is accepting community donations of non perishable food and drink items, household items, toiletries, baby items, pet food and gift cards.
At Portland International Airport (PDX), there are donation bins in the main terminal (near the stadium stairs) where anyone can drop off non-perishable food items, household essentials and gift cards valued at $25 or less.
And Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) announced on Monday that it has started collecting itmes for a food pantry to provide staples such food, baby items, toiletries, pet supplies, gift cards and other items for federal airport workers.
We expect similar programs to pop up at other airports in the next few days.
If you spot any, please let us know.