he ongoing federal government shutdown has created significant disruptions throughout the U.S. aviation system. Now in its 39th day, this is the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, and it's impacting millions of travelers. If you're wondering whether it's safe to fly and how to navigate air travel during this crisis, here's everything you need to know.
Is It Safe to Fly During the Shutdown?
The short answer: Yes, flying is still safe, but expect significant delays and disruptions.
Aviation experts and the Transportation Secretary confirm that while there is more risk in the system during a shutdown, officials are taking proactive measures to maintain safety. The Federal Aviation Administration isn't waiting for problems to occur. They're slowing down air traffic to ensure the employees who are working can manage flights safely.
However, the president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association warns that "every single day that this goes on tomorrow is now less safe than today," as controllers are working without pay while worrying about how to cover their bills. Safety remains the top priority, but the stress on aviation workers is real and growing.
What's Happening at Airports Right Now
The aviation system is under unprecedented strain. Here are the current conditions:
Flight Cancellations and Reductions
The FAA has mandated flight reductions starting at 4% and increasing by 1% each day, reaching 10% by November 14 if the shutdown continues. Over 1,300 flights were canceled on Saturday alone, with more than 5,450 flights delayed. Forty major airports across the U.S., including hubs in New York, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Denver, and Houston, are seeing reduced flight schedules.
TSA Security Wait Times
Security checkpoint delays have reached crisis levels at many airports:
- Wait times at Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport have exceeded two hours, with some reports of three-hour waits
- Some travelers at Houston airports have faced wait times of up to four and a half hours
- Los Angeles, Orlando, and Houston airports have been particularly hard hit by delays
While the national average wait time on some days has been just five minutes, certain airports are experiencing extreme delays due to localized staffing shortages.
Staffing Challenges
The core issue driving these disruptions is that air traffic controllers and TSA agents have been working without pay since the shutdown began. On one recent day, eighteen of 22 air traffic controllers at Atlanta International Airport did not show up to work, as workers face impossible choices between performing their duties and feeding their families.
Practical Travel Tips for Flying During the Shutdown
Booking Your Flight
1. Book Early Morning Flights Aviation experts recommend choosing early departure times, as delays tend to compound throughout the day. An early flight gives you the best chance of departing on time.
2. Choose Nonstop Flights When Possible Select nonstop routes to avoid connection issues. With the current disruptions, missing a connection could leave you stranded for much longer than usual.
3. Look for Flexible Booking Options Choose tickets that offer flight credits in case plans need to change. Many airlines are offering flexible change policies during the shutdown period. Some airlines are allowing customers to change flights or request refunds without penalty for affected travel dates.
Preparing for Your Trip
1. Arrive Extra Early TSA officials recommend arriving at the airport two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights, but suggest it can't hurt to arrive even earlier. Given current conditions, arriving three to four hours early for any flight isn't excessive.
2. Check Your Flight Status Multiple Times Monitor your flight status starting the night before travel and continue checking up until you leave for the airport. Airlines are contacting affected customers directly about cancellations and rebooking options, so keep your phone charged and notifications turned on.
3. Download Airline Apps Make sure you have your airline's app downloaded with notifications enabled. This will help you receive real-time updates about gate changes, delays, and cancellations.
4. Pack Snacks and Entertainment With extended wait times at security and potential delays, bring snacks, water (to fill after security), phone chargers, and entertainment to make long waits more bearable.
At the Airport
1. Be Patient and Kind TSA officials ask travelers to "please be respectful of the checkpoint" and "be patient with TSA officers" who are doing their best under difficult circumstances. Remember that these workers are showing up to work without being paid.
2. Have Your Documents Ready Speed up your own screening process by having your ID and boarding pass ready before you reach the checkpoint. Follow all TSA guidelines to avoid additional delays.
3. Monitor for Ground Stops Some airports have experienced ground stops due to staffing shortages, where all flights are temporarily halted. Stay near your gate and watch for updates.
If Your Flight Is Canceled
1. Know Your Rights Airlines are required to refund customers whose flights are canceled, but they don't have to cover secondary costs like food and hotel accommodations unless the cancellation results from something within the airline's control.
2. Act Quickly If your flight is canceled, contact your airline immediately through multiple channels—phone, app, and airport counter—to get rebooked as quickly as possible. Seats are limited as capacity shrinks.
3. Consider Alternative Routes Be flexible with your travel plans. You might need to connect through different cities or even travel on different days to reach your destination.
What to Expect in the Coming Weeks
The situation is expected to worsen before it improves. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that "the two weeks before Thanksgiving, you're going to see air travel be reduced to a trickle," and many people hoping to get home for the holiday "are not going to be able to get on an airplane" if the shutdown continues.
The U.S. Travel Association estimates the shutdown is costing the economy $1 billion per week, and the impacts are expected to intensify as we approach the busy Thanksgiving travel period.
Travel Strategy: Making the Best Decisions
Given the current situation, here's a realistic strategy for different traveler scenarios:
For Essential Travel
If you must fly:
- Book as soon as possible on major carriers with more flight options
- Choose the earliest flight of the day
- Select nonstop routes even if they cost slightly more
- Build in extra time at both ends of your trip
- Consider traveling on less busy days (Tuesday-Thursday)
For Holiday Travel
If you're planning Thanksgiving travel:
- Don't wait for the government to reopen before booking, as seats are becoming increasingly scarce
- Consider traveling several days before or after the actual holiday if possible
- Have backup plans, including driving or delaying travel
- Book refundable options if available
For Flexible or Leisure Travel
If your travel isn't urgent:
- Seriously consider postponing until the shutdown ends
- Monitor the situation daily for improvements
- Have alternative plans ready
Understanding the Broader Impact
The FAA is keeping 13,294 air traffic controllers working without pay, along with thousands of TSA agents. TSA agents make an average of $26 per hour, and many are facing severe financial hardship. While federal workers aren't allowed to strike, many are simply not showing up for work as they face impossible financial situations.
Former TSA officials acknowledge that while flying is still safe, there will be a "domino effect" of delays as frontline workers face mounting financial strain. Aviation experts note that flight disruptions don't happen in isolation, they create ripple effects impacting other flights and airports.
The Bottom Line
Flying during the government shutdown is safe, but far from convenient. The aviation system is designed with multiple safety redundancies, and officials are actively managing traffic to maintain safety standards. However, you should expect significant delays, longer security lines, and possible cancellations.
If you must fly, prepare for a more stressful experience than usual. Arrive much earlier than normal, stay flexible, pack your patience, and remember that the workers you encounter are doing their best under extraordinary circumstances, without pay. Monitor your flight status constantly, have backup plans ready, and be prepared for last-minute changes.
Most importantly, stay informed about the shutdown's status and be ready to adjust your plans accordingly. The situation remains fluid, and conditions could change quickly once the government reopens.
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