Nearly 40% of TSA workers are unvaccinated ahead of November deadline
Editor's Note
Roughly 40% of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers are unvaccinated ahead of the Nov. 22 deadline for federal government workers to be fully vaccinated.
"We have about 60% of our workforce has been vaccinated, that number needs to go quite a bit higher over the next few weeks," said TSA Administrator David Pekoske in an interview with CNN on Oct. 13.
What does this mean for TSA workers who don't get vaccinated without necessary exemption?
"Employees who choose to remain unvaccinated for COVID-19 and have not received or have a pending request for a legally required exemption will be subject to discipline, up to and including removal from federal service," a TSA spokesperson told The Points Guy in an email.
The spokesperson did not elaborate on other types of "discipline" employees would be subject to, other than removal from service.
Related: 85% of flight attendants say they've dealt with unruly passengers this year
"Even after receiving the vaccine, TSA has stressed that it remains essential for employees to follow established protocols in maintaining personal safety, such as mask-wearing, hand washing, social distancing, and limiting exposure to large crowds," said the TSA spokesperson.
"We continue to urge employees in regularly scheduled town hall meetings, shift briefs, and broadcast messages to the workforce to obtain their vaccination," the TSA spokesperson continued.
Related: The US reopens to international travelers on November 8 — here's what you need to know
If the TSA is short-staffed or isn't able to staff up quickly enough, an agent shortage could lead to longer checkpoint lines for this forthcoming busy holiday season just as they saw an uptick in travelers this past summer.
In response to TSA vaccination numbers, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. warned about a potential "travel mess as Thanksgiving approaches" if TSA fails to increase vaccination among employees before the Nov. 22 deadline, per reporting by NBC 4 New York.
"We can't have people worried about the holiday season travel," Schumer told the outlet. "We have to assure them that it's going to be smooth."
On Oct. 15, the United States announced that it will officially reopen its borders to fully vaccinated travelers on Nov. 8. Expectations remain optimistic for more vaccinated TSA workers before the looming late November deadline.
"We anticipate the vast majority of TSA employees will get vaccinated. Thousands of TSA agents upload their vaccination status every week," the TSA spokesperson said.
Additional reporting by Caroline Tanner
Photo by Robert Alexander/Getty Images.
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app