Travelers Turn to Professionals to Stand in Line at Airports

During the partial federal government shutdown, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers working at U.S. airports went without pay, and the situation contributed to staffing problems at security checkpoints. While TSA screeners were missing paychecks, other personnel at airports continued to receive compensation. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents assigned to assist with identification checks and monitor airport exits remained on the payroll.

At the same time, an unusual side job has appeared at some airports: people being paid to wait in security lines for travelers. At Houston’s Bush Intercontinental Airport on Friday, contractor Steven Dial told the Washington Post he spent the day standing in TSA lines for different customers. Dial said he charges $65 per hour for the service, in addition to covering airport parking costs.

The shutdown has also affected staffing levels. Nearly 500 TSA officers have reportedly resigned, and at some airports more than 40 percent of employees called out on certain days. The reduced staffing has led to long lines and delays, including at Houston’s airport and Baltimore–Washington International Airport, where security lines on Friday stretched outside the terminal.

Some entrepreneurs see a business opportunity in the situation. Robert Samuel, who operates a New York company called Same Ole Line Dudes, said he has been quoting customers $35 per hour to wait in TSA security lines on their behalf, though as of Friday he had not yet received any bookings.

Travelers willing to pay higher fees also have other options for avoiding long security lines. Several companies offer concierge-style services that guide passengers through alternative security lanes. Firms such as Perq Soleil and SkySquad provide expedited assistance at dozens of airports. Prices range from about $79 per group at certain locations to several hundred dollars for more comprehensive help through check-in, security screening, and boarding.

President Trump has signed an order to resume paying TSA agents. If long lines continue, travelers may still face extended waits at security checkpoints. Wired magazine has suggested several ways people might pass the time in airport lines, including thinking about the science of queue design. Another suggestion is reflecting on “airport theory,” a viral idea that argues people should arrive at the airport at the last possible moment—a concept that gained attention on TikTok but little support elsewhere. For those who enjoy puzzles, one challenge offered is trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube in eight moves while waiting.

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