A U.S. government shutdown has commenced, raising concerns for travelers across the nation. Following the failure of President Donald Trump and Congress to agree on a funding plan for government operations, many employees responsible for the functioning of airports and air travel are working without pay.
As the shutdown persists, reports indicate that longer wait times at airport security, potential flight delays, and cancellations could become prevalent. The president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, Geoff Freeman, expressed significant concerns regarding the longer-term implications of the shutdown, stating that it could lead to a deteriorating travel experience.
Freeman highlighted that, “The longer a shutdown drags on, the more likely we are to see longer TSA lines, flight delays and cancellations, national parks in disrepair and unnecessary delays in modernizing travel infrastructure.”
Despite the funding lapse, travelers can still fly, but they should brace for longer security lines and possible flight interruptions during an extended shutdown. Approximately 13,200 air traffic controllers and over 61,000 Transportation Security Administration employees are expected to continue working to maintain airport operations and security.
However, if the shutdown continues indefinitely, the strain on the national aviation system could be significant. Historical precedents from the 2018 to 2019 shutdown, which lasted 35 days, highlight these concerns. During that period, reports emerged of unpaid TSA security screeners calling in sick and air traffic controllers filing lawsuits for missing pay. For instance, Miami International Airport temporarily closed one of its terminals due to a high volume of TSA officer absenteeism.
The current shutdown unfolds against the backdrop of a Federal Aviation Administration grappling with a shortage of approximately 3,000 air traffic controllers.
In terms of international travel into the U.S., ports of entry are expected to remain operational. According to the contingency plan from the Department of Homeland Security, around 63,000 Customs and Border Protection workers will still report to work, including those responsible for monitoring incoming traffic at land and air entry points.
With regard to passports and visas, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services operates primarily on application fees. Therefore, the effects of the shutdown on passport and visa processing will be minimal. However, it is worth noting that the shutdown has led to the temporary closure of the E-Verify program, a system that allows employers to confirm their employees’ work authorization in the U.S.
The status of museums and national parks amid the shutdown has also garnered attention. Smithsonian museums, research centers, and the National Zoo are scheduled to remain open at least until October 6, with updates on their status available via the Smithsonian website. As the largest museum complex globally, the Smithsonian encompasses 17 museums and a zoo located in Washington, D.C., along with two museums in New York City.
Meanwhile, national parks will largely remain accessible during the shutdown. According to the National Park Service’s contingency plan, park roadways, lookouts, trails, and open-air memorial locations will generally be open to visitors. However, parks lacking accessible areas will face closures, and the potential for additional site shut-downs exists if park resources suffer damage or if trash accumulation occurs during the shutdown.
The National Park Service oversees 400 sites, encompassing well-known destinations like Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon, along with national battlefields and monuments like the Statue of Liberty.
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