Despite that good news, travelers at RDU are not insulated from the ripple effects of the growing staffing crisis at the Transportation Security Administration TSA), which is continuing to cause delays at airports across the country.
A source told ABC11 that nearly half a dozen TSA workers at RDU have submitted their notices to leave, and that the number is expected to grow in the days ahead.
As the partial government shutdown enters its second month, air traffic controllers and TSA officers continue to work without pay.
According to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, more than 300 TSA agents have resigned since the partial federal government shutdown.
On Sunday alone, the agency said the nationwide callout rate topped 10%, marking the highest single-day figure the agency has ever recorded.
Nearly half dozen TSA workers at RDU plan to quit, source says
"Airplane travel should be safe. But it may not be as safe because of things like the shutdown and the lack of funding. And I feel for these TSA agents. They always come to work professional. In the flights I've taken in the last couple of years, I've never had any problems with TSA agents. They're always very cordial, very professional. But I'm sure it's hard not to get paid for the job that you come to work for," said Brenton Marcom.
Marcom calls himself a frequent flier. He travels through Tampa, Orlando, and RDU often.
He's made this observation in Raleigh: "I have definitely noticed a lot of a lot more delays this year."
But the scene is playing out all over the country. Just last week, videos circulated widely showing security lines snaking around the building far beyond security checkpoints at Houston's Hobby Airport and New Orleans International.
Some people reported waiting for hours and missing flights.
NC Central University student, Moe Johnson, was set to arrive at RDU from his spring break trip to Miami. However, he was forced to rent a car because of travel disruptions.
TSU workers at RDU quit as partial government shutdown continues
"We drove through two states where we had two flights. I don't really think the weather was the real main factor. I think it was a mixture of the weather plus the TSA situation," Johnson said.
Johnson and his fraternity brothers ultimately rented a car and drove 10 hours to North Carolina rather than risk further delays.
"I don't want to stay down there. I'm still a college student. I got a week full of classes. I got a lot of stuff I got to do," he said.
Johnson said the disruption hit particularly hard for him as a college student.
"This was just such a dilemma for a lot of people. I think why it hit so heavy for me is because there were a lot of HBCU and college students in general," he said.
The surge in stranded travelers drove increased demand at rental car agencies.
"Just give us a call, and you can start one day and stay as long as you need. It's very easy, very simple," said Paul Sasser with Easy Auto Rentals in Raleigh.
The situation could worsen. TSA's deputy administrator said Tuesday morning that if callout rates continue at current levels, the agency may be forced to close some airports entirely. No specific airports have been identified. An official with RDU Airport said it had not been contacted by TSA about any potential disruptions.
For now, RDU is operating normally, a spokesperson told ABC11. Mac Johnson, who represents all TSA Officers in the state of North Carolina, said RDU might be next.
"Due to people not getting paid and employees not having any funds, the financial resources to buy gas, to come to work, I think you'll be seeing it RDU as well over the next two to three weeks," Mac Johnson said.
He said the long lines are a fallout from staffing shortages delayed on the ground before anyone ever gets in the air.
"It's not they're calling out sick," he said. "They're calling out broke."
At RDU, Johnson said several TSA Agents have put in their two-week notice
"I received notification today that five people will be leaving over the next two weeks," Mac Johnson said.
ABC11 spoke with him over Zoom while inside the airport, talking to delayed passengers.
Only two security lines were operating on Monday night. Johnson said l the threat of longer lines shouldn't be our biggest concern.
"Everybody should be aware there are terrorist sleeper cells. They have awakened and see those vulnerabilities, of those staffing shortages at these airports, and that is my greatest fear," Mac Johnson said.
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And his fears could change his flying habits.
"Truth be told, I'd be very concerned about flying myself out of RDU over the next couple of weeks," he continued.
CEOs from major airlines have penned an open letter to Congress urging them to reach an agreement to fund the Department of Homeland Security.
At RDU, Mac Johnson said they are working to set up a food bank and diaper bank in the terminal breakrooms to help TSA workers who aren't getting paid. He urged the community to donate.
He also wants the public to contact their local representatives and urge them to make sure TSA officers get paid for the work they perform.
"I've been a part of several negotiations since 2015 on behalf of the union, but you're not going to agree to anything unless you actually sit down and meet and have a discussion," Mac Johnson said. "And we ask members of Congress, sit down together and have a discussion and resolve this matter."
If you have upcoming flights, give yourself extra time -- not only at RDU but also at your destination -- since TSA staffing can vary from day to day.