The Impact of a Potential Government Shutdown on Travel Plans
Planes will take off, and TSA and customs personnel will be on the job – but with their pay suspended, they might be cranky. If the shutdown drags on, however, travelers may experience significant inconveniences.
If the United States Congress fails to pass a short-term extension to the federal budget by Saturday, September 30, the government will shut down beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, October 1. Consequently, the travel industry is anticipating considerable fallout, with projections indicating that the sector could lose up to $140 million a day, impacting both domestic and international travelers.
The Impact of the Government Shutdown on Flights in the USA
During a government shutdown, approximately four million U.S. government workers, including over 14,000 air traffic controllers, may not receive paychecks. However, most of these federal employees are deemed essential and will be required to report for duty. This means security, immigration, and customs operations at airports will continue, and planes will still land and take off.
That said, travelers should prepare for potential slowdowns at checkpoints and delays in the air, especially if the shutdown persists. The TSA is currently understaffed, screening over 2.5 million passengers daily. Wait times at security checkpoints could increase if employees, burdened by the stress of unpaid labor, start calling in sick, as witnessed during the 2019 partial government shutdown.
Moreover, flight delays and cancellations may become a reality if air traffic controllers also begin to call in sick. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg warned that, in the event of a shutdown, training for new air traffic controllers would cease. This could strain air travel operations, leading to further delays.
What can travelers do? Keep an eye on your flight status and arrive at the airport extra early to accommodate potential checkpoint delays. Utilize any available checkpoint-reservation services at your airport and exhibit patience towards TSA officers and airport staff working in challenging conditions.
The Impact of the Government Shutdown on Passport and Visa Issuance
Passport processing wait times are already stretched to an all-time high of 10 to 13 weeks. Although operations will continue, some agencies based in government buildings may halt operations. Consequently, frustrations surrounding delays can escalate, further extending processing timelines.
Travel experts suggest that while there are limited options to expedite the process, travelers can apply for expedited processing retroactively or seek emergency passports. However, even such measures may not significantly shorten processing times.
The Impact of the Government Shutdown on National Parks
As witnessed during past government shutdowns, national parks, forests, monuments, and federally managed recreational spaces may close or operate with limited services. Travelers who planned visits to these sites may be disappointed, particularly if they hold camping reservations.
What can visitors do? If your travel itinerary includes federally operated museums, monuments, or parks, frequently check their websites for updates on operational status and hour changes. It’s advisable to research alternative attractions beforehand to avoid disappointments upon arrival. Furthermore, if camping arrangements are in place at national parks, consider switching to state parks or private campgrounds to prevent potential cancellations.
In conclusion, while the potential government shutdown looms, being proactive and well-informed will help travelers navigate a myriad of possible disruptions in their travel plans.
