How a Government Shutdown Could Impact Your Holiday Travel Plans
With the holiday season in full swing, millions of Americans are preparing to travel for Christmas and Hanukkah. However, looming uncertainty in Washington regarding government funding could bring challenges to travel plans. Here’s what you need to know about how a potential government shutdown might affect air travel, road trips, train service, and other aspects of your holiday journey.
Air Travel: Expect Potential Delays
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is bracing for a busy holiday season, projecting to screen more than 39 million passengers between Dec. 19 and Jan. 2. However, a government shutdown could complicate operations.
- TSA Operations: While most TSA employees (about 59,000 out of 62,000) are considered essential and would continue working, they would not receive pay during the shutdown. Similar scenarios during past shutdowns, such as the 2018-2019 holiday season, saw up to 10% of TSA workers calling in sick, causing long security lines and even closed checkpoints.
- FAA Impact: Air traffic controllers, who are also deemed essential, would continue working, but hiring and training would pause. This could exacerbate existing staffing shortages, increasing the risk of flight delays.
Tips for Travelers:
- Monitor flight updates online or via your airline’s app.
- Follow TSA’s holiday travel recommendations, such as packing gifts unwrapped and preparing to navigate security quickly.
- Consider carrying only essentials in a carry-on to reduce waiting time.
Road Travel: Heavy Traffic Expected
The American Automobile Association (AAA) predicts that 119.3 million Americans will travel over 50 miles from home this holiday season, with 90% of them—over 107 million—hitting the road.
- Busiest Days: Traffic congestion is expected to peak during the weekends surrounding Christmas and New Year’s Day.
- Safety Tips:
- Avoid overnight drives and heavy meals that may cause drowsiness.
- Take breaks every two hours or 100 miles, and if possible, switch drivers.
- Stick to speed limits and remain alert to reduce risks on busy roads.
Train Service: Mostly Unaffected
Amtrak, which receives some federal and state funding, has assured passengers that it will remain operational during a government shutdown. However, prolonged funding issues could affect service upgrades and infrastructure projects supported by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
For now, travelers using Amtrak on the Northeast Corridor or other routes can proceed with their plans without concern for cancellations.
Passports and Border Security: Minimal Disruption
- Customs and Border Protection (CBP): Essential personnel will remain on duty, ensuring that ports of entry continue processing passengers as usual.
- Passport Services: These operations are funded by application fees, so passport and visa processing should remain unaffected. However, services in some federal buildings could face limitations if those buildings close during the shutdown.
Prepare for the Unexpected
While some essential services will remain operational, the ripple effects of a government shutdown could create inconveniences, particularly in air travel. Whether you’re flying, driving, or taking a train, plan ahead, stay informed, and give yourself extra time to navigate potential delays or unexpected hiccups.
By preparing in advance and staying flexible, you can still enjoy the holiday season and focus on what matters most—spending time with loved ones.
