Southwest’s CEO joined nine other airline and aviation leaders to deliver a joint letter to Congress urging an immediate resolution to the Department of Homeland Security funding gap that began Feb. 14. The letter emphasizes the financial hardship faced by TSA officers missing their first paycheck and the operational risks posed by unpaid security staff.

Executives warned that the ongoing shutdown coincides with peak spring-break travel, threatening to exacerbate long airport lines, flight delays, and cancellations due to understaffed security checkpoints. They pointed out that upcoming events, including the FIFA World Cup and America’s 250th birthday celebratory travel, could bring a record 171 million passengers to US airports this year.

The carriers’ leadership called for three specific measures to guarantee continuous payment for TSA officers and air traffic controllers, regardless of government funding status. These proposals aim to insulate critical frontline employees from political impasses and maintain smooth airport operations.