Government Shut Down: What It Means for Air Travelers
- Denise Lemon-Price
- Oct 8
- 3 min read
A government shutdown doesn’t mean all services stop, but it can stretch the system, especially in air travel.
During a shutdown, many federal workers deemed “nonessential” are furloughed, while essential staff like TSA agents, air traffic controllers, and customs officers continue working but without pay until funding is restored.  This may result in
Longer security screening times or checkpoint bottlenecks — some TSA staff may call in sick amid pay uncertainty. 
Flight delays or cancellations if air traffic staffing is strained or if inspections and procedural work slow. 
Slower or suspended support functions (e.g. aircraft inspections, system upgrades) that might cascade into operational disruptions. 
7 Tips to Travel Smarter During a Shutdown
Here are practical strategies to reduce stress and improve your chances of making your flight on time:
Give yourself more buffer time than usual Even without a shutdown, travelers are often urged to arrive 2 hours before domestic flights, 3 hours for international. In a shutdown scenario, add another 30–60 minutes to those recommendations. Be especially cautious at large hub airports. If possible, fly very early in the morning (first flights of the day tend to fare better).
Monitor flight status obsessively Use airline apps, text alerts, or flight tracker tools. Be ready for sudden gate changes, delays, or cancellations. If things look shaky, consider rebooking to a more reliable time or route proactively.
Pack smart with security in mind; keep your boarding pass, ID, and travel documents easily accessible. be disciplined about 3-1-1 liquids, remove shoes, belts, electronics etc., quickly in line, wear slip-on shoes and minimal metal to speed your progress through securit, use clear quart-size pouches for liquids, and minimizing fumbling at checkpoints helps reduce delays for everyone.
Have backup plans; know alternate flights or carriers in the same region and their policies, for critical trips, consider arriving a day early and staying overnight near the airport, be flexible with routing (e.g. a connection even if it’s not your first choice), carry essentials (snacks, water, medicine, charger, spare clothes) in case you get stuck.
Be prepared for service reductions; Airport lounges, support desks, or staff assistance might be limited, some terminals or gates might be closed or consolidated if staffing is tight, infrastructure upgrades or back-office support (navigation systems, maintenance) maybe slow.
Stay cool, patient, and kind Remember, many federal workers will still be showing up to work without pay. Kindness and patience go a long way in stressful times. If lines are long or service is delayed, treating staff respectfully can help ease tension.
Have a fallback in your back pocket
• Travel insurance (with “delay” or “cancelation” coverage) can help recover costs
• Know your passenger rights (in case of cancellations or missed connections)
• If possible, have alternate modes (train, bus) for short legs of your trip
• If traveling internationally, confirm that customs and immigration operations are still functioning (historically, those are considered essential). 
When you expect When You Expect Delays Step What to Do
Book the earliest flight possible, ideally as your first leg of the day
Arrive 3+ hours before departure (or more)
Check in online, have boarding pass on your phone or printed
Monitor status every 30 minutes leading up to departure
Keep essentials in carry-on in case checked bags get delayed
If delay or cancellation occurs, act fast: rebook immediately
Keep an eye on your window of connection time, build slack
A government shutdown introduces a wildcard into travel plans: the system may cope initially, but vulnerabilities grow as time passes. Your best defense is preparation, flexibility, and patience.