Airport security personnel across the country are no longer allowed to sit while checking travelers' boarding passes and identification, after the Transportation Security Administration ordered chairs removed from document checker stations at screening entrances. The agency has begun implementing the change in most commercial airports.

According to a TSA spokesperson, the policy aims to ensure officers remain attentive during operations. "This welcome change reinforces both our security posture and our commitment to hospitality by having these officers on their feet and alert," the spokesperson said. The agency stressed that all staff must be physically prepared for their responsibilities. "All officers must meet fitness for duty requirements to be capable of performing their vital national security function while simultaneously creating a welcoming and professional environment for travelers," the spokesperson added.

The American Federation of Government Employees Council said it was neither consulted nor included in the decision-making process regarding the sitting prohibition. Union officials contend the removal of seating overlooks essential workplace considerations. "These chairs serve as basic ergonomic and safety support for officers that stand and walk on hard surfaces all day," an American Federation of Government Employees representative said.

The union labeled the action a breach of fundamental workplace decency. "TSA is treating this matter like it is a privilege – it is not; it is basic safety and common decency for the workforce," the representative said. "This disregard for employee rights and safety is an example of a broad pattern of TSA’s true consideration of the employees who keep our nation safe," American Federation of Government Employees said. "This is an opportune time to meet with members and non-members alike to tell and show them the importance of joining this union to form our collective resistance against this regime that is literally attempting to take out our workforce through whichever means possible," American Federation of Employees said.

More than 40,000 TSA officers are represented by the American Federation of Government Employees. The labor organization is voicing concerns about a new initiative that would expand privatization of checkpoint operations at three airports. It is currently evaluating legal avenues to challenge the privatization effort.

David Cummins was confirmed to head the TSA nearly two months before the chair removal policy was announced. He recently introduced a strategic plan called Horizon 25, aimed at accelerating key agency goals. "TSA does not have to choose between a secure checkpoint, an efficient checkpoint, and an elevated passenger experience," Cummins said. The Horizon 25 initiative involves expanding TSA PreCheck access, deploying advanced screening technology, privatizing select checkpoints, and enhancing traveler convenience.

Timeline

The Tanker Security Program was finalized on December 7, 2022, following revisions to the interim final rule published the same day in the Federal Register, incorporating public comments, stakeholder input, and MARAD's assessments. A partial U.S. government shutdown occurred from February to April 2026, beginning on 2026-02-14. TSA employees received pay at the end of March 2026 after a presidential directive issued by Donald Trump on 2026-03-31. The shutdown concluded on April 30, 2026, after the House passed legislation funding the Department of Homeland Security on 2026-04-30.

What's New

In 2026, the Transportation Security Administration drew criticism for not addressing ergonomic issues outlined in its 2024 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which contained provisions on workplace safety and reasonable accommodations for officers enduring long shifts on hard flooring. David Cummins was confirmed to lead the agency nearly two months prior to the announcement. "TSA does not have to choose between a secure checkpoint, an efficient checkpoint, and an elevated passenger experience." A 2025 Department of Homeland Security memo under Secretary Kristi Noem revoked collective bargaining rights for TSA officers, including the 2022 CBA, setting a precedent for management-led changes to working conditions. The union asserts this weakens protections for worker safety and labor rights.

The Transportation Security Administration is a federal agency within the United States government. Chairs are being taken out of travel document checker positions at the front of airport security checkpoints nationwide. The Horizon 25 program includes expanding TSA PreCheck, introducing new technology, privatizing certain checkpoints, and improving the passenger experience.

Why It Matters

This policy change comes amid ongoing labor tensions and disputes over contractual terms. In 2026, the Transportation Security Administration faced scrutiny for failing to uphold ergonomic standards specified in its 2024 CBA, which addressed safety and accommodations for officers working extended hours on unforgiving surfaces. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) represents more than 40,000 TSA officers, and its 2025 CBA included stipulations for ergonomically designed workstations—provisions the union claims are now compromised by the chair removal policy.

The union cites administrative decisions that diminished its negotiating authority as background for the current conflict. The 2025 DHS directive under Secretary Kristi Noem eliminated collective bargaining rights for TSA officers, including the 2022 CBA, establishing a foundation for unilateral management actions affecting labor conditions. The union argues such moves erode worker safety and rights, and views the sitting ban as part of a larger trend of neglecting employee welfare.