Travelers across the US are experiencing significant delays and long lines at airports as the partial government shutdown continues to impact TSA operations. Reports indicate that many TSA officers are calling out sick due to unpaid work, with more than a third of agents at major airports such as New Orleans and Atlanta not reporting for duty. The situation has prompted calls from airline CEOs and frustrated travelers for Congress to resolve the funding standoff. Transportation officials warn that the chaos is likely to worsen as major travel events approach, and some smaller airports may face closures if the staffing shortages persist. Amid the growing frustrations, initiatives such as donation boxes for unpaid TSA workers are being set up in airports, highlighting the dire circumstances faced by those ensuring security at travel hubs.