Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers are no longer allowed to sit down while checking boarding passes and identification documents.
On Monday, January 26, 2026, TSA agents checked boarding passes and identification documents at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
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Washington, D.C. —
The Transportation Security Administration confirmed Tuesday that airport security screeners will no longer be allowed to sit down while checking boarding passes and identification documents.
The union representing screeners said chairs at travel document verification podiums at security checkpoints across the country will be removed. The American Federation of Government Employees TSA Council 100 said it learned of the decision from its members and called the move "a disregard for workers' rights and safety."
The TSA defended the measure, saying document checkers are the first point of contact with travelers and that requiring them to stand will create a better experience for passengers.
The agency said in a statement: "This welcome change, by keeping these officers highly vigilant, both strengthens our security posture and reflects our commitment to warm hospitality. All officers must meet fitness-for-duty requirements in order to carry out their vital national security duties while fostering a welcoming, professional, and efficient environment for travelers."
The confirmation comes nearly two months after TSA Administrator David Pekoske was confirmed to lead the agency.
On Friday, October 24, 2025, TSA document checkers inspected identification at Philadelphia International Airport.
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The union said most commercial airports have already begun removing the seats. A union leader said AFGE and none of its local chapters received formal notice.
AFGE Council 100 said in a statement: "These chairs provide basic ergonomic and safety protections for security personnel who stand and walk on hard floors all day. TSA is treating this as a privilege — it is not; it is a matter of basic safety and dignity for workers."
As the TSA approaches its 25th anniversary in November, Administrator Pekoske convened a meeting to "rapidly advance key strategic initiatives" as part of a plan called "Horizon 25."
In a statement announcing the initiative, he said: "TSA should not have to choose between a secure checkpoint, an efficient checkpoint, and an improved passenger experience."
The plan includes expanding TSA PreCheck, deploying new technology, privatizing some checkpoints, and "improving the passenger experience." It is unclear whether requiring screeners to stand while checking documents is related to this reform.
CNN – 29 Sep 26 TSA officers now not allowed to sit down while checking boarding passes and... Airport security employees checking boarding passes and IDs will no longer be allowed to sit down while working, the Transportation Security Administration confirmed Tuesday.
