The Transportation Security Administration has directed officers who check boarding passes and IDs to stand while on duty, and chairs are being removed from document-checking podiums at airport security checkpoints nationwide, the agency and union officials confirmed.
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) TSA Council 100 said it learned of the change from members and criticized the move as a "disregard for workers' rights and safety," noting that many local chapters were not formally notified.
What TSA Says
The TSA defended the decision, saying document checkers are the first staff travelers encounter and that having officers stand will improve both security and the passenger experience. In a statement, the agency said:
"This welcome change reinforces both our security posture and our commitment to hospitality by having these officers on their feet and alert. 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."
Union Concerns
AFGE Council 100 said the chairs provide important ergonomic and safety support for officers who stand and walk on hard surfaces for long shifts. A union statement read:
Transportation Security Administration document checkers examine IDs at Philadelphia International Airport on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025. - Ryan Collerd/Bloomberg/Getty Images/File
"These chairs serve as basic ergonomic and safety support for officers that stand and walk on hard surfaces all day. TSA is treating this matter like it is a privilege – it is not; it is basic safety and common decency for the workforce."
Union leaders say chair removals have already begun at most commercial airports and that no formal notice was provided to AFGE or many of its local chapters.
Timing And Context
The change comes about two months after David Cummins was confirmed as TSA administrator and as the agency approaches its 25th anniversary in November. Cummins has been convening meetings under an initiative called "Horizon 25," which the TSA says aims to expand TSA PreCheck, deploy new technology, consider privatizing some checkpoints and improve the passenger experience. The agency has not explicitly linked the standing requirement to Horizon 25.
Photo credit: Ryan Collerd/Bloomberg/Getty Images — TSA document checkers examine IDs at Philadelphia International Airport, Oct. 24, 2025.
The policy shift has drawn immediate attention from labor leaders and staff who say the change could increase fatigue and injury risk, while TSA officials say it will increase vigilance and hospitality at checkpoints. Additional discussions between TSA leadership and union representatives may follow as the policy is implemented.
