Jazmin Li
A government shutdown can have a significant impact on airports and air travel. While the effects may not be immediate, a prolonged shutdown can lead to longer wait times and flight disruptions. This is primarily due to staffing shortages as Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers and air traffic controllers, deemed essential employees, are required to work without pay. As a result, absenteeism and sick calls tend to increase, causing potential delays and closures at security checkpoints and airports. The shutdown can also affect the certification of new aircraft and the implementation of safety measures. These issues can have a ripple effect on the travel industry, causing concerns for both travellers and airline officials.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Planes will continue flying | Yes |
| Airport security checkpoints will remain open | Yes |
| Air traffic controllers will continue to work | Yes |
| TSA agents will continue to work | Yes |
| Customs officials will continue to work | Yes |
| Security agents will continue to work | Yes |
| Training of new employees will continue | No |
| Employee morale | Low |
| Delays and cancellations | Likely |
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What You'll Learn
Longer security lines
The government shutdown has the potential to cause longer security lines at airports. This is primarily due to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents not receiving regular paychecks during the shutdown. As a result, there is a higher rate of employee absence, with many calling in sick or leaving to work other jobs. This has resulted in longer security lines at some airports, with travellers reporting increased wait times.
TSA agents are considered "essential" employees and must continue working during a government shutdown. However, they are not paid during this period, which can lead to financial strain and the need to seek alternative employment. This was evident during the 35-day shutdown in 2019, where the number of absences by TSA officers rose as workers missed paychecks.
The impact of the shutdown on security lines may vary depending on the airport. For example, during the 2019 shutdown, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world's busiest airport, experienced longer security lines due to a surge in TSA screeners calling in sick. Similarly, airports in Miami and Houston had to close entire terminals due to TSA staffing shortages.
To mitigate the potential impact of longer security lines, travellers are advised to arrive at the airport at least two hours before their flight. Additionally, some airports provide approximate wait times online, allowing travellers to plan accordingly and choose less crowded checkpoints.
It is important to note that the wait times may not be significantly affected at the initial stages of the shutdown. However, as the shutdown continues, the call-out rate may increase, leading to longer wait times. The TSA has acknowledged the higher-than-usual call-outs and is working to address the issue.
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Staff shortages
TSA agents, who are already some of the lowest-paid workers in a highly stressful job, have been working unpaid during the shutdown. As a result, many have started to call in sick, with a national rate of 6.8% unscheduled absences compared to 2.5% at the same time last year. This has led to lengthy delays at security checkpoints, with some airports even shutting down certain TSA checkpoints or entire terminals to get ahead of potential issues.
The shutdown has also impacted the final aircraft certification process, as many FAA inspectors have been furloughed. This has affected the ability of airlines, such as Delta, to launch new planes on time.
Additionally, while TSA agents are deemed "essential" and required to work, this is not the case for most Customs and Border Protection employees. As a result, Global Entry applications have been delayed, and securing interviews for enrollment has become impossible as enrollment centers are closed during the shutdown.
The staffing shortages have also affected air traffic controllers, who are working grueling schedules to make up for the lack of personnel. This has led to concerns about safety risks and an increased margin of error in instruction. The combination of inconsistent funding, recruitment bottlenecks, and an overreliance on overtime by the FAA has contributed to the erosion of safety margins.
To address these issues, transportation authorities have recommended that travelers arrive at airports earlier than usual and consider enrolling in programs like Global Entry to streamline their travel experience.
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Delayed flights
Firstly, air traffic controllers are considered essential employees and are required to work during a government shutdown. However, they may not receive their paychecks on time, which can lead to dissatisfaction and potentially impact their attendance. This was evident during the 2018-2019 government shutdown when 10 air traffic controllers called out sick, causing widespread delays on the East Coast.
Similarly, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers are also deemed essential employees. However, they too may not receive timely compensation during a shutdown, which can result in reduced staffing at checkpoints and longer security lines. These factors could ultimately lead to flight delays or even cancellations as airlines may need to adjust their schedules to accommodate the extended processing times at airports.
The uncertainty surrounding a government shutdown makes it challenging to predict the exact impact on flight operations. However, it is essential to recognize that the absence or reduced presence of essential employees can have a ripple effect on the entire aviation system. This includes not only air traffic controllers, TSA officers, and CBP officers but also other federal airport staff involved in critical operations.
Passengers planning air travel during a potential government shutdown should stay updated with the latest information from official sources and allow for possible delays or disruptions to their travel plans. It is also important to recognize the dedication of the essential employees who continue to work under stressful conditions, ensuring the safety and security of air travel despite the challenges posed by the shutdown.
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Passport and visa services
A government shutdown could impact passport and visa services. Passport services are handled by the State Department and are usually deemed \"essential\" during a government shutdown. The State Department's shutdown contingency plans state that consular operations, including passports and visas, will remain operational as long as there are sufficient fees to support operations. This includes US embassies and consulates abroad.
However, a government shutdown may delay processing times. The State Department estimates that even expedited passport application processing will take several weeks, so it is recommended to give yourself six months of lead time before an international trip. During the 2018-2019 shutdown, Global Entry appointments at some enrollment centers were canceled with no rescheduled date.
The impact of a government shutdown on passport services also depends on whether the services are housed in federal buildings that are closed during the shutdown. If so, they may not be able to process applications until the shutdown ends. Additionally, administrative furloughs can lead to reduced staffing at passport centers, resulting in longer waiting times for routine applications and renewals.
Regarding visa services, the American Immigration Lawyers Association has stated that visa operations are funded by applicants' fees and are therefore "not normally impacted by a lapse in appropriations." Thus, visa processing should continue as usual during a government shutdown.
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Safety concerns
The strain on air traffic controllers is also significant. They already work long hours under tremendous responsibility, and a shutdown can disrupt the hiring and training of new controllers, leading to staffing shortages. This, in turn, can result in flight delays and further stress on those forced to work during the shutdown.
The elimination of routine safety inspections during a shutdown is another cause for concern. These inspections are crucial in maintaining the safety and reliability of the aviation network. As the shutdown extends, the margin of safety gradually decreases, increasing the chances of safety being compromised.
The impact of the shutdown on TSA agents is particularly noteworthy. As some of the lowest-paid federal employees, TSA agents have been deemed "essential" during shutdowns, working without pay. This has resulted in increased call-out rates, with many agents calling in sick or considering quitting. This has led to longer wait times at security checkpoints and raised concerns about the overall security and safety of air travel.
In summary, government shutdowns can have a significant impact on the safety of air travel. The strain on airport security workers and air traffic controllers, the disruption in hiring and training, and the elimination of routine safety inspections all contribute to increased safety risks. As the shutdown extends, the chances of safety being compromised increase, affecting not only the efficiency of airport operations but also the well-being of those responsible for maintaining it.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the government shutdown is affecting airport operations. TSA agents, air traffic controllers, and other essential airport staff are required to work without pay, which has led to an increase in absenteeism and some lengthy delays at security checkpoints.
The government shutdown has resulted in the elimination of some routine safety inspections at airports. While there may not be an immediate impact on safety, the longer the shutdown continues, the greater the chances of safety being compromised.
Travellers should arrive at the airport earlier than usual, especially during peak travel periods. They can also check posted wait times online or on the MyTSA app to estimate potential delays.
