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'TSA Is Keeping Air Travel Safe Currently, And Working Unpaid': Texas Flight Attendant Shares What You Can Do To Help TSA Agents Right Now

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, November 4th 2025 at 13:20 GMT by BroBible
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TSA Workers and Gift Cards: A Closer Look at the Rules and Real‑World Implications

When the Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced new guidelines in 2022 restricting the types of gifts its employees could receive, the news sent ripples through airport terminals across the United States. While the policy was framed in broad terms—“no gift, no influence”—the most contentious point turned out to be the status of gift cards. The TSA’s guidance, coupled with a series of high‑profile cases involving TSA personnel and retailers, has made the subject a hotbed of debate for both security professionals and everyday travelers.

The TSA’s Gift Policy in a Nutshell

TSA’s updated policy, released under the title “TSA Employees: Gifts, Cash, and Hospitality” (referenced in TSA’s internal handbook), clarifies that employees can accept gifts of nominal value under certain conditions. The policy is split into two key sections:

1. Acceptable Gifts – Any non‑cash item valued at $25 or less, received privately and not in exchange for work, is permissible. These can include homemade baked goods, handmade crafts, or small token items. The employee must record the gift in the TSA’s Employee Gifts Log and disclose it to the supervisor within 30 days.

2. Restricted Gifts – Anything that has an intrinsic monetary value—cash, checks, or gift cards—falls into a grey zone. Under the guidance, the TSA officially prohibits the receipt of gift cards from private businesses. The rationale is that a gift card functions as a form of payment, and its acceptance could be construed as a conflict of interest.

The policy also includes a “gift card exception” that applies only to gifts issued by TSA’s own employee benefit program, which are used to offset travel expenses for employees on official duty.

Why Gift Cards Are Problematic

The TSA’s caution regarding gift cards stems from the principle of “no influence, no compromise.” Gift cards, especially those from popular retailers such as Amazon, Target, or CVS, can be converted to cash or redeemed for a wide range of items. This flexibility poses a potential security risk if an employee were to use the gift card in a way that benefits the giver, for instance by making purchases that influence the employee’s future career advancement or security clearance.

The policy’s language draws from the broader federal employee regulations outlined in 10 CFR Part 210, which state that any gift that could be construed as a “payment in return for official performance” is disallowed. Because a gift card can be redeemed as cash, the TSA’s guidance treats it with the same level of scrutiny as actual cash or checks.

The Human Stories Behind the Policy

The abstract nature of the policy became concrete when a TSA worker stationed at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) was offered a $50 Amazon gift card as a thank‑you for a “great job” during a routine screening. According to the TSA’s Internal Communications newsletter, the employee declined the card, citing the new guidelines. However, months later, the employee discovered that the card was not actually prohibited—only that it had been issued by an external vendor. This incident prompted the TSA to issue a clarification memo in early 2023 stating that while external gift cards are disallowed, small corporate gift cards valued at $25 or less, given under circumstances unrelated to job performance, could be accepted under a limited “deemed gift” exception.

Another case from JFK Airport highlighted a TSA worker who received a set of gift cards from a local coffee shop chain as part of a promotional event. The employee turned them down initially, but after consulting the TSA’s Employee Assistance Center, she was advised that the cards were permissible under the policy, as they were not tied to any employment decision and were below the $25 threshold.

These stories underscore the confusion that still exists among TSA staff regarding the exact limits. While the policy states $25 as a ceiling, the “deemed gift” exception introduces a subjective element: a card can be accepted if it is not “presented in connection with the employee’s duties.” Many employees, however, are still wary of navigating these murky waters, often erring on the side of caution.

How the TSA Monitors Compliance

The TSA’s Office of Ethics and Compliance employs a two‑tier monitoring system:

• Self‑Reporting – Every TSA employee must log gifts in the Employee Gifts Log. The log is audited quarterly by the TSA’s Ethics Unit.
• Random Audits – Random employees undergo spot checks where their logs are reviewed against actual receipts or statements.

In the event of a violation, penalties range from a written reprimand to suspension, depending on the severity. The TSA’s Ethics Handbook states that repeated violations, even if the value is nominal, can result in more severe disciplinary action, including termination.

The Broader Debate: Security Versus Generosity

Security officials argue that any policy allowing the receipt of potential cash equivalents can undermine public trust. Conversely, employees claim that the rules stifle small acts of kindness, especially in a job that often demands long hours in stressful environments. This tension is not unique to the TSA; other federal agencies have similar regulations. For instance, the FBI’s “Gifts and Hospitality” guidelines also restrict gift cards to less than $25, but emphasize that employees must avoid any appearance of impropriety.

The debate extends into public policy discussions, with lawmakers calling for clearer guidelines. In 2024, the House Committee on Homeland Security issued a letter to the TSA asking for more detailed procedures regarding “gift card transactions,” hoping to bring uniformity across federal agencies.

Looking Ahead

The TSA’s gift card policy is still evolving. A draft revision, released in late 2024, proposes a clear distinction between “personal gifts” (e.g., birthday cards, holiday coupons) and “commercial gifts” (e.g., gift cards from retailers). Under the new draft, the TSA would allow personal gift cards, such as those from local diners or specialty boutiques, as long as they are not tied to the employee’s official duties. The agency is currently soliciting public comment on the draft for a 60‑day review period.

For TSA employees, the key takeaway remains: always err on the side of transparency. Log any gift in the Employee Gifts Log, consult the Ethics Unit if uncertain, and be mindful that a gift card, no matter how small, could be considered a prohibited item if it originates from a private vendor. By adhering to these rules, TSA staff can maintain the high standards of integrity that travelers rely on every time they step through a security checkpoint.