As the U.S. federal government faces the risk of a shutdown after midnight tonight, many travelers are asking the same question: What does this mean for air travel?
Here’s what you need to know.
TSA, FAA, and Air Travel During a Shutdown
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) classify most of their workers as essential employees.
That means:
- Airport screeners, air traffic controllers, federal air marshals, and safety inspectors will still be required to report to work.
- These employees would continue working without pay until Congress restores funding.
The Human Impact on TSA Officers
Former TSA officer Caleb Harmon-Marshall explained to CBS News that a shutdown can take a toll on staff morale:
“TSA officers are expected to continue to report to work. But in the past, if a shutdown exceeds two weeks, officers start to get frantic, and they stop going to work.”
- Some employees may begin calling in sick.
- Others may even start seeking new job opportunities if paychecks are delayed too long.
This can directly impact airport staffing and passenger experience.
What Travelers Can Expect
Passenger flights will continue to operate during a government shutdown because essential FAA and TSA workers are still required to provide:
- Security screenings at checkpoints
- Flight clearances for commercial aircraft
However, travelers should brace for potential delays and longer lines, especially if staffing shortages grow over time.
Erik Hansen, senior vice president of government relations at the U.S. Travel Association, emphasized:
“What we’ve seen in the past when the government shuts down is that airports slow down and our economy slows down with it.”
Customs and Border Protection
A shutdown would also impact Customs and Border Protection (CBP):
- Officers would still work, but without pay.
- Hiring and training for new staff would be frozen until funding resumes.
A Look Back: Past Shutdowns
History shows the impact can build over time:
- During the 2019 shutdown, some FAA controllers and TSA agents stopped showing up for work, leading to widespread flight delays and long checkpoint lines.
- In previous shutdown threats, the TSA has warned that extended funding gaps could make it harder to maintain smooth operations.
Bottom Line
✈️ If the government shuts down, your flight will likely still take off — but expect longer waits at security, slower airport operations, and stressed federal staff working without pay.
Travel tip: Arrive earlier than usual, especially if the shutdown drags on beyond a week or two.
