The TSA wanted 6,000 new officers by summer. Most positions are unfilled as airlines expect a passenger surge. Ian Duncan Travelers walk past a sign pointing toward a coronavirus testing location at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. (Angus Mordant/Bloomberg News) The Transportation Security Administration has undertaken an effort to recruit thousands of new officers for airport checkpoints as cooped-up travelers increasingly resume flying. The agency has hosted virtual recruitment fairs and is seeking candidates on social media. To get recruits in the door quickly, the agency recently began offering a $500 bonus to candidates at some airports if they fill out background-check paperwork within five days.