A U.S. Department of Homeland Security shutdown began early Saturday, impacting the agency responsible for screening passengers and bags at airports nationwide. Travelers may recall a previous 43-day government shutdown that caused significant flight cancellations and delays last year.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers are expected to work without pay while lawmakers continue to negotiate DHS funding. While TSA officers previously worked through a shutdown that ended November 12, experts suggest this situation may unfold differently.
What’s Different About This Shutdown?
Funding for Homeland Security expired at midnight, though the rest of the federal government is funded through September 30. This means air traffic controllers will continue to receive paychecks, lessening the risk of widespread flight cancellations. Democrats in the House and Senate have stated that DHS will not receive funding until fresh restrictions are placed on federal immigration operations.
Past shutdowns have shown that disruptions to air travel tend to build over time. During last year’s 43-day shutdown, TSA temporarily closed two checkpoints at Philadelphia International Airport, and the government ultimately ordered airlines to reduce domestic flight schedules.
John Rose, chief risk officer for Altour, indicated that strains at airports could surface more quickly this time, as the TSA workforce is still affected by the previous shutdown. “It’s still fresh in their minds and potentially their pocketbooks,” Rose said.
What is the Impact on Travelers?
Predicting specific security screening delays is difficult. However, even a minor number of unscheduled TSA absences could lead to longer wait times, particularly at smaller airports with only one security checkpoint.
Travelers should plan to arrive early and allow extra time for security. Experts too suggest that flight delays are possible, even though air traffic controllers are unaffected by the DHS shutdown. Airlines may delay departures to accommodate passengers clearing screening, and a shortage of TSA officers could slow checked baggage screening.
What Travelers Can Do to Prepare
Travelers should check airport websites for security line wait times, but should do so well in advance of their flight. Passengers should also be mindful of prohibited items to avoid prolonging the screening process. TSA has a full list of allowed and prohibited items on its website.
At the airport, travelers should “practice patience and empathy,” recognizing that TSA agents are working without pay and potentially with reduced staff.
Will the Shutdown Drag On?
The White House has been negotiating with Democratic lawmakers, but no deal was reached before senators and members of Congress left Washington for a 10-day break. Lawmakers remain on notice to return if an agreement is reached.
Democrats have linked DHS funding to new restrictions on federal immigration operations following the fatal shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Decent in Minneapolis last month. U.S. Travel, Airlines for America, and the American Hotel & Lodging Association have jointly warned that the shutdown threatens to disrupt air travel as the spring break season approaches. They stated that travelers and the U.S. Economy cannot afford to have essential TSA personnel working without pay, which increases the risk of delays and missed flights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s different about this shutdown compared to last year?
While most of the government is funded, funding for Homeland Security expired at midnight. Air traffic controllers will continue to be paid, reducing the risk of widespread flight cancellations.
What impact could the shutdown have on air travel?
Longer security lines and potential flight delays are possible, even though air traffic controllers are not affected. Disruptions could build over time, similar to last year’s shutdown.
What can travelers do to prepare for potential disruptions?
Travelers should arrive early, check security line wait times online, and be mindful of prohibited items. Practicing patience and empathy towards TSA agents is also advised.
As the situation with the DHS shutdown develops, how might travelers best adapt their plans to minimize potential disruptions and ensure a smoother travel experience?
