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A cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, red onion, bacon, and onion rings sits next to a metal cup filled with curly fries, both served on TGI Fridays-branded paper on a wooden table.
MrGoless/Reddit.com

TGI Fridays isn’t always the first name you think of when it comes to giving back, but the 60-year-old restaurant chain announced that some federal employees will be able to eat lunch for free at TGI Fridays. As the eighth day of the federal government shutdown continues, tens of thousands of essential federal employees remain on the job without pay, including Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and air traffic control workers at airports nationwide. To help keep those TSA and air traffic controllers fueled up during the shutdown, TGI Fridays is doing its part to support them. Here are the details.

Which Federal Employees Are Eligible For Free Meals?

Security checkpoint sign in an airport
stellalevi/istockphoto

Airports are especially chaotic during a shutdown, and it’s transportation security and air traffic control that have to deal with the fallout, as they contend with staffing shortages. To give a little love back, TGI Fridays is offering free meals to anybody working for TSA or air traffic control. A valid ID is required.

When Will TGI Fridays Offer Free Meals for Federal Employees?

A restaurant appetizer platter with chicken wings, cheesy potato skins, and potstickers served with dipping sauces, next to a blue drink and menus on a wooden table.
Ela K. / Yelp

Starting October 9th, TSA and air traffic control workers can get a free meal per day at any TGI Fridays location. This will last until October 23, or sooner if the shutdown is lifted earlier.

What Free Meals Are on Offer?

A white plate with crispy fried chicken tenders, a serving of French fries, a small cup of yellow dipping sauce, and a garnish of chopped herbs.
Andrea D. / Yelp

TSA or air traffic control employees can grab one of the following lunch entrees for free:

  • Cheeseburger with fries
  • Chicken Fingers with fries
  • Crispy or Grilled Chicken Sandwich with fries
  • Chicken Caesar Salad

Do Airport Locations Count?

A TGI Fridays restaurant with a bright red sign reading “FRIDAYS.” People are sitting inside at tables eating and drinking, while a few people walk past the entrance in an indoor mall or airport setting.
Anthony G. / Yelp

The good news is that, yes, airport locations still count. It would almost feel like a prank if they didn’t, right?

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Meet the Writer

Wilder Shaw is a staff writer at Cheapism who has written for publications like The Washington Post, Thrillist, Time Out, and more, but you most likely recognize him as Trick-or-Treater No. 2 from a 1996 episode of “The Nanny”. Give him a shout on Bluesky and Instagram.