On Friday travelers took off from Jacksonville International Airport and Transportation Security Administration workers were screening at security checkpoints Friday even though the agents were missing a paycheck.
“It’s paramount they’re there to make sure everything runs smoothly and we all stay safe and we all make it to our destinations alive,” traveler Stephanie Smith said.
Friday was the first day furloughed federal workers weren’t paid since the partial government shutdown started last month.
“I appreciate them coming to work and still showing up so we’re able to fly…," Stacey Vinson, who was headed to Miami, said, "I don’t know how they’re doing it because I wouldn’t.”
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Southwest Airlines provided breakfast and dinner for the Jacksonville TSA workers.
Airline leaders said others at the airport showed gratitude in different ways over the weekend.
“We don’t know when that’s going to be lifted but they’re still showing up to work, taking care of not only our customers, but all customers in Jacksonville," John Ryckman, with Southwest Airlines, said.
Leaders at Miami International Airport said they’d be temporarily closing a terminal because security screeners were calling in sick at twice the normal rate.
Travelers said they felt for the workers and shared their frustration.
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