The Indicator from Planet Money
The Indicator from Planet Money

Tracing the tax that's supposed to fund TSA

Mar 26, 2026 · 8m

Every time you buy a ticket that leaves a U.S. airport, you pay a fee that’s supposed to help fund the TSA. So why have TSA workers been working without pay? Today on the show, we explore the history behind an earmarked tax and its very personal impacts.<br/><br/><strong>Come see Planet Money live on stage in April! 12 cities. Details and tix here: </strong><a href="https://tix.to/pm-book-tour"target="_blank" ><strong>https://tix.to/pm-book-tour</strong></a><strong>. </strong><br/><br/><strong>Related episodes: </strong><br><a href="https://www.npr.org/2026/03/25/nx-s1-5759714/your-next-flight-doesnt-have-to-be-so-expensive-heres-why"target="_blank" >Your next flight doesn't have to be so expensive. Here's why</a> …

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