TSA staff call-outs prompts BWI checkpoint closure
LINTHICUM, Md. (FOX 5 DC) - A security checkpoint was closed at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport Saturday evening. This, as TSA says it continues to face staffing issues due to call outs while agents continue to work without pay during the partial government shutdown.
Call-outs have already led to checkpoint closures at Dulles this past week.
Nationwide, TSA has said many staff employees are calling out of work because they can't afford to get there.
On Saturday, TSA announced they began exercising a contingency plan at BWI due to excessive callouts and closed Checkpoint A at 5:35 p.m.
TSA says the checkpoint will continue to be closed until further notice.
In a statement, TSA said passengers should arrive early and check with the airport and airlines for updates.
BWI says it expects "minimal, if any" problems for passengers.
Airport spokeswoman Annette Fisher said Sunday it's not unusual for the TSA and BWI to open and close security checkpoints based on projected travel levels, flight schedules and security staffing.