A lengthy government shutdown in the US could disrupt travel plans significantly, causing longer waits at airports, flight delays, and possible cancellations.
The shutdown commenced on Wednesday as President Trump and Congress couldn’t finalize contracts for government funding.
This means that most airport operations will continue, but employees will be working without pay until the situation is resolved.
“The longer the shutdown, the more we can expect unnecessary delays in TSA lines, along with flight disruptions and cancellations,” an expert notes, along with impacts on national parks and travel infrastructure.
Here’s what you need to consider regarding the shutdown and how it might affect your upcoming trips:
Flying during the shutdown
While travelers can still fly early in the shutdown, they might not see immediate problems at airports.
Air traffic control and security checks will still have staff, with about 13,200 controllers and over 61,000 security employees expected to continue their roles.
However, as workers go unpaid for longer, travelers might face longer routes and delays, said aviation expert Jeffrey Price from Metropolitan State University in Denver.
“The system could start to show weaknesses, and the longer this shut down lasts, the more noticeable it will become for travelers,” Price remarked.
This situation resembles the shutdown from 2018-2019 when Trump oversaw a record 35-day closure.
Following that shutdown, some security workers began calling in sick, contributing to delays, and air traffic controllers sought pay through lawsuits.
During that period, staff at Miami International Airport had to temporarily close one terminal due to an alarming rise in sick calls among TSA agents.
Moreover, the ongoing shutdown comes at a time when both the TSA and Federal Aviation Administration are already grappling with staffing shortages, including around 3,000 fewer air traffic controllers than needed.
If the system can’t cope with the flight schedules, the FAA could impose delays on takeoffs and landings, leading to more cancellations.
Airport and air safety
According to Nick Daniels, president of the air traffic controllers’ union, the shutdown is likely to compromise aviation safety by straining the controllers and limiting the workforce that maintains crucial systems.
“We are operating with critically low staffing, hitting 10,800 people, where we should have about 14,600,” Daniels stated, emphasizing reliance on outdated equipment.
Controllers at some of the busiest air traffic facilities reported working 60-hour weeks during past closures, prompting some to leave their positions.
“This isn’t just an inconvenience for travelers,” Price added. “It poses real safety and security issues if this continues long-term.”
Travel by train
Amtrak has confirmed that its passenger trains will keep running, with over 300 trains operating daily across 46 states, including the DC area and some parts of Canada.
The railway service has reassured customers that it plans to maintain operations during the shutdown.
International travel to the US
Ports of entry are expected to remain operational, allowing international travelers to enter the US, as per the Department of Homeland Security.
About 63,000 Customs and Border Protection workers are anticipated to continue working, monitoring traffic at border intersections and airports.
Passport and visa processing
The system managing passports and visa applications generally relies on fees, meaning most processing won’t be affected by the funding lapse.
However, it’s important to note that the shutdown has temporarily halted the e-verify program, which employers use to confirm new hires’ work eligibility in the US.
Museums and National Parks
The Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo are expected to remain open to the public at least until October 6th.
The Smithsonian, a major hub of culture and history with 17 museums and multiple zoos, is situated in Washington, DC, and New York City.
While most national parks remain accessible, some areas without amenities may close, and others could be at risk if waste accumulates during the shutdown.
The National Park Service oversees numerous sites, including iconic parks like Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon, and is relying on emergency plans to manage visitor access during this time.
